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EUSSELL 



ON 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING 



FOR 



LEVELING AND BALANCING THE ACTION 
AND GAIT OF HORSES 



AND 



REMEDYING AND CURING THE DIFFERENT 
DISEASES OF THE FOOT 



SEVENTH EDITION, REVISED AND ENLARGED 



WITH OVER 600 ILLUSTRATIONS 






BY 

PROF. WILLIAM RUSSELL 

Practical Horseshoer 



CINCINNATI 
C. J. KREHBIEL & COMPANY. 
1003 



THE LIBRARY OF 
CONGRESS, 

Two Copies Received 

SEP 21 1903 

Copyright Entry 
CLASS o% XXc. No 
' COPY B. I 



|1« 



Copyrighted, 1902, by 
PROF. WILLIAM RUSSELL. 



! "s'iv! s 5/|Ui.) 




[Copy.] 

" The United States of America, by act of their Congress, have authorized the World's Colum- 
bian Commission, at the International Exhibition held in the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, 
in the year 1893, to decree a medal for specific merit which is set forth below, over the name of an 
individual judge acting as an examiner, upon the finding of a board of International Judges, to 
William Russell, Cincinnati, Ohio. Exhibit: Horsesrioes and Horseshoers' Tools. Award : 
Horseshoes— for extent and comprehensiveness of Exhibit of Hand-made Horseshoes, of special 
design intended to remedy defects in horses' feet, both natural and as the results of improper 
shoeing, and also to increase the speed of trotting and driving horses. Horseshoers' Tools— for 
Great Merit especially in the Foot Adjus er, which is very effective and simple, and enabi es the 
operator to so adjust the shoe as to perfectly equalize its pressure to all parts of the foot." 




*? ' to V 

^mniun Russell & Son, ^ 
-? Fon % 

f HAND-MADE HORSE SHOES, S 

(For remedying defects in horses' feet,) (jj 

And Improvement in 

<^ w@kse stw&t mm. & 



Cincinnati * Slntur-strtal ♦ Crpogition* 



THE FIRST PREMIUM 



AWARDED TO 



WILLIAM RUSSELL AND SONS 

For Best Display of Hand-made Horseshoes, 
Remedying Defects in Horses' Feet, 

For Improvement in Horseshoe Iron, 

And for Morbid Specimens of Horses' Feet, 

Showing Injuries sustained from Improper Shoeing. 
CHAS. F. WILSTACH, President. 
ABNER L. FRAZER, Secretary. 



£tje jFtot premium &£etrate ana Certificates 

At the Cincinnati Expositions have been awarded to Prof. Russell, as above, 
for the successive years of 1870, 1871, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875, 1879, 1880, 
1881, and 1883. 



, ♦ ♦ jfirst premiums? ♦ 



Have also been awarded to Prof. Russell's displays wherever exhibited, 
notably at the 

TEXAS STATE FAIRS AND DALLAS EXPOSITIONS, 

IN 1889 and 1890, FOR 

Best System of Scientific Horseshoeing, 

Best Display of Hand-made Horseshoes, 

And Best Display of Morbid Anatomical Specimens. 




INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, 

PHILADELPHIA, 1876. 

The United States Centennial Commission has examined the report of 
the Judges, and accepted the following reasons, and decreed an award in 
conformity therewith. 

Philadelphia, December, 14, 1876. 

REPORT ON AWARDS. 

Product: HORSESHOES (Hand and Machine Made); also, HORSESHOE IRON. 
Name and Address of Exhibitor: WILLIAM RUSSELL, CINCINNATI, OHIO. 

Tlte undersigned, having examined the product herein described, respectfully 
recommends the same to the United States Centennial Commission, for Award, for the 
following reasons, viz., 

A variety of shoes remedying defects in hoofs ; also, patented rolled iron, for hand- 
shoe making. All highly meritorious. 

J. D. IMBODEN 

[Signature of the Judge.] 
Approval of Group Judges. 

DANIEL STEINMETZ, CHAS. STAPLES, JULIUS DIEFENBACH, 
G.L.REED, DAV McHARDY, J. BAIN. 

A true copy of the record. 

FRANCIS A. WALKER, Chief of the Bureau of Awards. 

Given by authority of the United States Centennial Commission. 



A. T. GOSHORN, 

Director General. 

J. L. CAMPBELL, J. R. HAWLEY, 

Secretary. President. 




Cenne&see . Centennial . Crposrttfon. 



AT NASHVILLE, 1897. 



AWARDED TO 



WILLIAM RUSSELL, CINCINNATI, OHIO. 

Hie Highest and only Premium Given for 

The Beit Exhibit of Hand-made Horseshoes 

And Horseshoers' Tools and Paraphernalia , 

Including a Most Complete Anatomical Museum 
Oj the Horses' Feet a,nd Legs, with Special Reference to the Diseases Caused From 
Unbalanced Feet and Improper Shoeing. 



GOLD MEDAL FROM NATIONAL CONVENTION OF HORSESHOERS, 

IN PITTSBURG. 




This medal speaks for itself. I am the only horseshoer who has ever 
been awarded a gold medal by his fellow horseshoers. W. R. 



INTRODUCTION TO SEVENTH EDITION. \1 



INTRODUCTION TO SEVENTH EDITION. 



Since the publication of the Sixth Edition of my Treatise 
on Scientific Horseshoeing so many additional cases have come 
to my attention I have concluded to embody them with copious 
illustrations in a complete final work, to embrace all the 
important matter contained in the First, Second, Third, Fourth, 
Fifth and Sixth Editions. I find that the farrier has become one 
of the progressives of modern science ; as time changes almost 
everything changes. I find there have been great changes made 
in the speed of horses. My experience has been that as the horse 
increases in speed he quickens his evolution. There are scarcely 
two speed horses shaped or gaited alike, consequently no two can 
be shod alike and do their work with equal ease and comfort to 
themselves. The style and weight of shoes that would suit one 
horse would not be suitable for another. This fact has led me to 
invent and make many different styles and weight of shoes for 
speed horses. As I have often said, no one man knows it all. The 
close observers never finish learning in horseshoeing. The far- 
riers can get good ideas from one another. I have traveled for 
the past twenty years, and shod horses in every state in the Union. 
Shod all grades of horses, from the ponderous Norman to the 
fleet-footed, thoroughbred race horse. I have talked with all the 
expert farriers, horsemen, trainers, and drivers on the subject of 
the different gaits of horses and the different styles and weight of 
shoes to suit all kinds of soils of the tracks, and all agree with me 
that the hard track requires a different style of shoe than the soft, 
cuppy track. There are cuts exhibited all through my book, to 



Ml INTRODUCTION TO SEVENTH EDITION. 

suit all grades of tracks ana roads. To be successful, the driver 
should have three or four sets of shoes made and fitted to each 
horse, to carry along with him, to suit all conditions of tracks — 
the hard, the soft mud, and the sandy, cuppy soil. By so doing, 
he will be ready to race his horse at all times and seasons. The 
thin shell or Avail should be shod with a thin, wide, web shoe ; the 
thick shell or wall can be shod with a narrower web shoe. The 
farrier, to be successful, must exercise good judgment in making 
and fitting shoes, to suit the thickness of the shell or wall and to 
suit the gait of the horse. The low-gaited horse in front and be- 
hind requires a thin shoe ; the horse with the high knee and hock 
action can be shod with a different style and weight of shoes. 

There are four qualifications for the speed horse to make him 
a money-winner : First, plenty of speed ; second, a hearty appetite ; 
third, stand plenty of hard work ; fourth, endurance. If the horse 
possesses these four qualifications, and is shod with a style and 
weight of shoes suitable to his gait, he is ready to start out to 
earn money for his owner. If the horse does not possess these 
four qualifications, the owner will save money by keeping him at 
home. 

The long-pastern horse needs to be shod in front and behind 
with long toes, while the short-pastern should be shod all around 
with short toes. I have made and invented shoes to suit all 
grades and classes of speed horses. In my judgment, horseshoe- 
ing is in its infancy. If a farrier shod a horse forty years ago to 
suit his gait, it was an accident. Balance the feet and body, and 
every joint will work properly in its journals, and every muscle 
will move with its greatest yet most economical expenditure of 
force. The science of horseshoeing must be studied, the same as 
any other science, if you wish to become a successful farrier. 

Modern farriery has become one of the most progressive of 
the sciences. For many years the standard works of the Eng- 
lish, French and German authors were reprinted and followed as 
if the subject had been exhausted by them. But this view has 



INTRODUCTION TO SEVENTH EDITION. XLlt 

given place in America to the most rigid examination into the 
wants of the American trotting horse, the latest development of 
the high bred and swift trotting horse ; so that instead of Ameri- 
can farriery being confined to the proper dressing of the foot and 
shoeing of the sound and unsound horse, investigation has been 
extended to the action or gait, and many invaluable shoeing de- 
vices have been invented by the ingenious American mind to reg- 
ulate, as well as to control, the action of the horse both at the walk 
and at full speed. This is so great a step in advance that Euro- 
pean works are no longer regarded as the highest standard of 
authority, but the American treatises have largely taken their 
place both in Europe and America. 

The author has been impressed with this conviction for more 
than a decade. For sixty-four years he has been a practical far- 
rier, and has shod all grades of horses from the ponderous Nor- 
man to the fleet-footed thoroughbred race horse. His place of 
business has been the headquarters for the treatment of every 
species of lameness and abnormal condition of the feet and legs, 
as well as the smithy for perfecting the gait and developing the 
speed, by the introduction of such shoes as each individual horse 
under treatment demanded. 

Moreover, he has patiently studied the anatomy, pathology 
and mechanical action of the foot, limb and body, so that by this 
dual mastery of the theoretical and practical science of modern 
farriery he might leave, as a monument, a life work that would 
prove both instructive and useful to the horse community. When 
the sixth edition of the present treatise was published he believed 
that he would not issue still another revised edition; but his con- 
stant study of the subject and his interviews Avith the leading 
trainers and shoers and horse owners of this country have evolved 
so many valuable inventions and so much improvement in the 
treatment of chronic disorders that another edition has become 
absolutely imperative. 



Xl\ INTRODUCTION TO SEVENTH EDITION. 

I am indebted to Mr. S. T. Harris, of Cincinnati, the well- 
known authority on all subjects relating to the welfare .of the 
horse, for his valuable assistance and suggestions opportunely 
given while I was pursuing the investigation of the principles of 
this work, and continuing through an association of more than 
forty years. 

The author trusts that the Seventh edition will meet all re- 
quirements of being the latest standard authority on modern 
farriery. Prof. William Russell. 

1722 Freeman Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 1903. 



CONTENTS. XV 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

Portrait of Author Frontispiece 

Diploma, Cincinnati Industrial Exposition iii 

Medals and Reports on Awards, Cincinnati Industrial Exposition.... iv 

Medals and Awards, World's Columbian Exposition v 

Premium of Cincinnati Industrial Exposition vi 

Premium U. S. Centennial Exposition ' vii 

Premium Tennessee Centennial Exposition viii 

Cold Medal, Horseshoers' Convention, Pittsburg, Pa ix 



CHAPTER I. 

THE HORSE IN GENERAL. 

Judging the Useful Qualities of Horses 25 

The Ideal Horse 26 

Light Horses 26 

Symmetrical Qualities 27 

Judging Action 28 

Structural Examination 29 

Muscular Development 29 

Front Limbs 30 

Feet and Legs 31 

The Trunk 31 

Hind Limbs 32 



CHAPTER II. 

BONES OF THE HORSE. 

The Trunk 33 

The Limbs 33 

The Bones in Detail 34 

The Bones Enumerated 35 

The Skeleton Described 36-37 



CHAPTER 111. 

THE FOOT AND LOCOMOTORY APPARATUS. 

The Subject Denned 38 

Motion in General 38 

The Limbs in General 39 

The Foot in General 39 

Bones at the Foot 40 

The Pedal or Coffin-bone 40 

Bones and their Articulations 41 

Ligaments and .Lubricants 41 

Muscles of the Foot and Leg 42 

Soft Tissues 43 

Sensitive Tissues 44 

Circulation of the Foot 45 

Nerve Supply 40 



XVI CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

Horn Tissues 46 

The Wall, the Solo, the Frog 47 

Development of the Hoof 48 

Importance of the Subject 49 

Colored Plates, with Anatomical Sections, described 50-62 

Queries and Answers, Outlining the Anatomy of the Foot 63 

CHAPTER IV. 

PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING — SCIENCE, ART AND COMMON SENSE. 

Prof. Russell in His Study 67 

Necessity of Shoeing 68 

Past and Present 69 

Important to Horsemen 70 

Essential Knowledge . 71 

Condensed Anatomy 72 

The Center of Gravity 73 

Emphasizing the Facts 74 

Variation of Feet 75 

The Angle of Incidence 75 

What Rule to go by .' 75 

How to get on in the Work 76 

Farriers' Tools 76 

Russell's Scientific Foot Adjuster , 77 

The Adjuster Applied — for Leveling and Balancing the Foot : . . 77 

Other Mechanical Aids 77 

Method of Procedure 78 

Different Kinds of Feet 81 

The Natural Model 81 

Rational Shoeing 82 

Fundamental Principles 82 

Securing the Levels 83 

Maintaining the Balance 83 

Preparing the Foot for the Shoe 83 

"Opening up the Heels" 84 

Indefensible Practices 85 

Thinning out the Sole 85 

Trimming the Frog 85 

Weight of the Shoe 86 

Form of the Shoe 88 

Setting the Shoe 88 

Hot and Cold Fitting 88 

Adaptation of the Shoe 90 

Fullering and Punching 91 

( oncerning the Nails 91 

Driving the Nails 92 

The Finished W T ork 92 

Sizes and Uses of Nails 93 

CHAPTER V. 

SHOEING YOUNG HORSES — ACTION AND GAIT. 

Practical Balance of Foot and Leg 104 

\ Cause of Unbalanced Feet 109 

Conditions of Action HO 

Care Bestowed in Colthood HI 

First Trial of Shoes • • HI 

Modifications of Action 112 



CONTENTS. XVII 

PAGE. 

Care of Horses' Mouths 113 

Handling - Young Horses 114 

Determining the Gait 115 

Regulating the Gait 116 

Balancing the Action 116 

The Useful Gait 118 

CHAPTER VI. 

SPECIAL AND GENEKAL SHOEING. 

Different Kinds of Feet 120 

The Running or Galloping Horse 121 

The Trotting Horse 123 

Records of Champion Trotters from 1806 to 1894 124 

The Pacing Horse 127 

The Racking Horse 127 

The General Purpose Horse 128 

The Draft Horse 129 

Prog Pressure 133 

Proportions of the Hoof 134 

Resetting of the Shoes 135 

Gait of Speed Horses 136 

CHAPTER VII. 

LAMENESS AND DISEASES OF THE FOOT. 

Pathological Shoeing 137 

Causation of Diseases 138 

Locating the Lameness 140 

Laminitis or Founder 142 

Primary or Passive Stage 143 

Acute Stage— Villitis 143 

Chronic or Violent Stage 144 

Complications of Laminitis — Dropped Sole 147 

Peditis, Periostitis, Suppuration 148 

Seedy Toe 149 

Dished Foot 152 

Side Bones ( Ossified Cartilages ) 153 

Parallel of Normal and Abnormal Leg Bones 154 

Hot Fitting, Clips and Spurs 157 

Contraction 158 

Toe Cracks 165 

Quarter Cracks 167 

Corns 169 

Navicular Disease 171 

Raised or Twisted Coronet 174 

Another Example of Peditic Disorganization 176 

Dished-wheel Foot 176 

Wheeled Foot 179 

Defective Ankle Joints or Knuckling 180 

Knee Sprung 182 

Curb 184 

Bone Spavin 186 

Bog Spavin 187 

Canker 187 

Foot Rot or Seedy Toe 188 

Broken Bars 191 

Lameness and Diseases of the Foot 192 

Abnormal Feet 194 



XV 111 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

FAULTS OF STRUCTURE AND ACTION. 

PAGE. 

Regulated or Restricted by Shoeing 204 

Faulty Positions of the Limbs and Feet 200 

Care of the Foot from Colthood 210 

Splay Foot — Knee Hitting 212 

Forging or Clicking 214 

Speedy Cutting 217 

Ankle, Shin and Knee Cutting 218 

Sprains of the Tendons 219 

Elbow and Arm Cutting 220 

Adjustable Toe Weight 220 

More about Ankle, Shin and Knee Hitting 222 

Speed Shoes 223 

Shoes for Quarter Crack 227 

Rate of Speed of Trotters and Pacers 231 

CHAPTER IX. 

SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 

Its Purpose and Scope Delineated 233 

Centennial Shoe, No. 1 235 

Centennial Shoe, No. 2 236 

Centennial Shoe, No. 3 236 

Raised Spring Shoe 237 

Scooped Toe Rolling-Motion Shoe 238 

"Goldsmith Maid" Bar Shoe 239 

Shoe to Prevent Forging, etc . 239 

Xon-Paddling Shoe 240 

Rolling Motion Shoe, No. 1 241 

Rolling Motion Shoe, No. 2 242 

Shoe to Prevent Stumbling 242 

Toe Weight Shoe 244 

Improved Toe Weight Shoe 244 

Turn-Table Shoe 245 

Common-Sense Shoe 247 

Side Weight Shoe 248 

Rolling-Motion Shoe on Foot 248 

Shoes for Draft Horses 249 

Shoe to Prevent Paddling, Cutting, etc 250 

Shoe for Bruised Heels, Corns, etc 250 

Shoe to Balance and Slow Action of Trotting Horses 251 

Shoe for Track and Road Horses 252 

Shoe for Ankle Hitting 252 

Shoe to Widen Action 253 

Side- Weight Shoe to Equalize the Wearing 254 

Shoe to Prevent Ankle Cutting 254 

Shoe for Curb, Spavin and Sore Tendons 255 

Shoe to Prevent Bruising and Calking 256 

Shoe to Prevent Twisting 256 

Shoe for Wheeled Foot 257 

Soooped-Toe Rolling Motion Shoe 258 

Shoe for Line-Trotters, to Prevent Sealping 258 

Ba )■ Shoe, for Line Trotters 259 

Rasp-Cut Shoe to Prevent Slipping 259 

B a -p Cut Shoe to Prevent Slipping 260 

Raised Split-Bar Shoe for Contraction, etc 260 



CONTENTS. \ i X 

PAGE. 

Scooped-Toe Grab Shoe 261 

Center Bearing Double Boiling-Motion Bar Shoe 201 

Scooped-Toe Grab Shoe for Speedy Cutting 262 

Scooped Grab-Toe Bar Shoe 262 

Three-quarter Shoe 263 

Shoes for Sprained Tendons (five views) 264 

Spreading Shoe ( two views ) 265 

Shoe to Prevent Dragging and Forging 267 

Shoe to Prevent Ankle Hitting 267 

Use and Abuse of Tips 268 

Sharpening or Winter Shoeing 26(1 

All About Calks 270 

Bracing or Crutch Shoes 270 

Knuckling Shoes 275 

Shoe for Pacing and Trotting 293 

Shoe for Splay-footed Horse 294 

Shoe to Prevent Paddling 295 

Four-calked Bar Shoe 296 

Front Foot Shoe, to Quicken the Action in Front 297 

For too much Knee Action '* 298 

Bastard Punning Plate 299 

Shoe to Prevent Cross-firing 299 

Double Grab Front Shoe in the Quarters 300 

To Brace up Weak Ankles 300 

New Ice Shoe for Trotters and Pacers 301 

New Non-Paddling Snoe 301 

Shoe to Prevent Forging in Calf-kneed Horses 302 

Shoe to Prevent Paddling in Left Front Foot 303 

Hind Foot Shoe for Nigger-heels and Splav-feet 303 

New Style Bar Shoe Pacing Plate 304 

New Shoe for Trotters and Pacers 305 

Plain Square-toed new Bar Shoe 306 

New Square-toed Shoe, to prevent Slipping 306 

Half-round Bar Shoe, Prevents Scalping 306 

Half-round Bar Shoe on Ground Tread 307 

Front Shoe to Prevent Knee-hitting 307 

Shoe to Prevent Arm and Elbow-hitting 307 

Plain Hind Grab-toed Shoe, for Long Pasterns 308 

Front Foot Bar Shoe, Double-rim Grab 308 

Square-toed Hind Shoe with Grab 308 

New Hind Shoe, Square-toed 309 

Shoe to Brace up Weak Ankles 309 

New Double Rimmed Cap-toed Shoe 309 

New Front Balancing Shoe 310 

Shoe to Prevent Knee-hitting 310 

Front Shoe to give solid Foothold 310 

Ankle and Knee-hitting . 311 

Foot Leveling Plate and Compass 313 

Hitching, its Causes and Cure 314 

Shoeing for Bingbone 316 

Leg and Foot Tester 317 



CHAPTER X. 

TABLEAUX OF HORSESHOES. 

Case 1. Improved Farrier's Tools 322 

Case 2. Description of fine Shoes 324 

Case 3. Description of fine Shoes 325 

Case 4. Description of fine Shoes 326 

Case 5. Description of fine Shoes 327 



XX LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 

PAGE. 

Uh. 1 0. Highest Awards to Prof. Russell 32S 

Case 7. Trot". Russell's Hospital Case 329 

Oase S. The Twentieth Century Case 330 

Case 9. Gold Medal, awarded to Prof. Russell 331 

Case 10. Tools, made of Horseshoe Nails 332 

Case 11. Shoes made in 1002 333 

Case 12. Shoes made in 1903 334 

Russell's Scientific Foot and Heel Adjusters 335 

Russell's Hand Vise for Hot Filing and Foot Testers 330 



CHAPTER XL 

USEFUL PRESCRIPTIONS. 

Cleansing the Feet 338 

Foot Salve, for Various Diseases, Wounds, etc 338 

Liniment for Inflammations 340 

Caustic Wash for General Purposes 340 

Witch Hazel Wash 341 

The Horses' Teeth '.. 347 



CHAPTER XII. 

VALUABLE HINTS TO FARRIERS. 

Maud S's Stride 349 

Jay Gould's Stride 352 

Natural Trotters 353 

Cross-firing 354 

Splay Foot 356 

Pigeon Toe * 356 

The Line Trotter 357 

Hitching and Hopping 359 

Outlines of the Horse 362 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 



1. Model Light Horse , 24 

2. Skeleton of the Horse 36 

3. Bones of the Foot 50 

4. Muscles, Tendons, Ligaments and .Joints of Leg and Foot 51 

5. .Median Section of Leg and Foot from Base to Knee . . . . : 52 

6. Side of Foot with Hoof removed showing the Laminae 53 

7 Front of Foot with Hoof removed showing the Laminse 54 

8. Internal Structures of Left Fore Foot — outer side 55 

9. Internal Structures of Left Fore Foot — inner side . . 56 

10. Internal Structures of Left Fore Foot — front 57 

] 1. Internal Structures of Left Fore Foot — back 58 

12. Plantar Face of Coffin- Hone and Insertion of Tendon 59 

13. Plantar Reticulum — with Veins, Nerves, etc 60 

14. Velvety Tissue or Sensitive Sole, and Plantar Cushion 61 

15. Inside View of Perfect Hoof 62 

1 6. lied Plate of Russell's Foot Adjuster . . 94 

17. Side Vif-w of Adjuster 94 

18. Front View of Adjuster : 94 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. XXI 

PAGE. 

19. Back View of Adjuster Do 

20. Russell's Leveling Plate 95 

21. Compass for Spanning the Hoof, etc 95 

22. Position of Foot for Examination 90 

23. Sole or Lower Face of Perfect Foot Leveled, etc 97 

24. Upper Face of Perfect Foot 98 

25. Side of Perfect Leg and Foot Leveled and Balanced 99 

20. Transverse Section of Foot and Leg 100 

27. Front Foot Shoe for General Purposes 101 

28. Side of Perfect Foot Properly Shod as directed 102 

29. Full Size Section of Perfect Hoof — showing Natural Proportions — 

with Shoe Properly Nailed in Position 103 

30. Racing Plate for Running Horses 122 

31. English Seated Shoe for Saddle Horses 128 

32. Front Foot Shoe for Draft Horses 132 

33. Hind Foot Shoe for Draft Horses 132 

34. Median Section of a ''Foundered" Foot 145 

35. Front Foot Shoe for Dropped Flat or Weak-Soled Feet 140 

30. Side of Hoof with Shoe Sprung off the Heel 147 

37. Bottom View of same Hoof 147 

38. Coffin-Bone Distorted by Laminitis and Peditis 148 

39. Specimen of Seedy Toe 149 

40. Another Example of Seedy Toe 150 

41. The Same Hoof Straightened on One Side 151 

42. Dished Foot and Dropped Sole 152 

43. Side Bone or Ossified Cartilage 153 

44. Hoof from which Fig. 43 was taken 153 

45. Normal Position of Foot and Leg Bones 154 

40. Abnormal Position of same 154 

47. Outside Appearance of Side Bones 156 

48. Hoof of Draft Horse with Spur Inside 157 

49. Bottom of same Hoof showing Contraction, etc 158 

50. Median Section of Hoof showing Spurs, etc. . 158 

51. Upper Face of Coffin-Bone worn by Spur, etc 159 

52. Contracted Hoof 161 

53. Lower Face of same Hoof 161 

54. Median Section of Foot showing Effects of Contraction 162 

oo. Mule's Hoof Overgrown and Contracted 164 

56. Mule Shoe 164 

57. Toe Crack in Hoof Properly Dressed 165 

58. Quarter Crack in Hoof Properly Dressed and Shod 167 

59. Bottom of Hoof Properly Shod for Quarter Crack 168 

60. Inside of Hoof showing Toe Corns 170 

61. Navicular Disease as Indicated by the Hoof 172 

62. Navicular Bone Diseased (one-half size) 172 

63. Bar Shoe for Navicular Disease 173 

64. Raised Coronet as seen from Back of Hoof 175 

65. Peditis, or Chronic Laminitis shown by Abnormal Hoof 170 

66. Median Section of same Hoof showing Structural Changes 177 

67. Back View of Hoof showing Dished Quarter and Curled Heel 178 

68. Side View of Another Dished Foot 17!) 

£9. Side View of Wheeled Foot 180 

70. Knuckling or Defective Ankle Joint 180 

71. Shoe to Prevent and Cure Knuckling 181 

72. Position of Leg when Knee Sprung 182 

73. Hind Leg, Showing Curb 185 

74. Same, Bandaged and Shod 185 

75. Hoof with Seedv Toe, Shod 190 

76. Section of Hoof Affected with Seedy Toe 190 

77. Disease of Coronet 192 

78. Healthy Foot Covered by Swab 193 



XX 1 1 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 

PAGE. 

79. Felt Swab .. . . 194 

80. Perfect Front Foot 194 

81. Coffin Bone — Lateral View of Correct Position 195 

82. 1 1 igh Toe 196 

83. Coffin Bone in Case of High Toe 19G 

84. High Heels ^ 197 

85. Coffin Bone in case of High Heels 197 

86. Coffin Bone— Vertical 198 

87. Coffin Bone — out of Vertical 198 

88. Perfect Front Limb and Foot 199 

89. Front Limb and Toe — Pointing 199 

90. Result of High Heel 200 

91. Foot Properly Pared 201 

92. Foot after being Bandaged and Shod 202 

93. Soaking Tub 203 

94. Faulty Positions of Hind Legs (side view) 206 

95. Faulty Positions of Hind Legs (back view) 207 

96. Correct Positions of Hind Legs (side view) 208 

97. Faulty Positions of Fore Legs (front view) 208 

98. Faulty Positions of Fore Legs (front view) 209 

99. Correct Positions of Fore Legs (front and side) 209 

100. Shoe for Splay Foot and Chronic Knee Hitters 214 

101. Shoe for the Relief of Sore Tendons, etc 219 

102. Adjustable Toe Weight (side view) 221 

103. Adjustable Toe Weight (ground tread) 221 

104. Front Foot Shoe, for Ankle or Shin Hitting 222 

105. Hind Foot Shoe, for Ankle or S'hin Hitting 222 

106. Bar Shoe for Wide Movement . 223 

107. Record Breaker Front Shoe 224 

108. Record Breaker Hind Shoe 224 

109. Record Breaker — Grab Shoe 225 

1 10. Improved Grab Shoe 226 

111. Shoe for Quarter Crack Set on Well-Balanced Foot 227 

112-113. Variations of same 228 

1 14. Quarter Crack Shoe Set on Foot 229 

115. Side View of Foot Shod for Quarter Crack 230 

116. Shoe for Quarter Crack 231 

117. Centennial Shoe, No. 1 235 

118. Centennial Shoe, No. 2 236 

119. Centennial Shoe, No. 3 237 

120. Raised Spring Bar Shoe 237 

121. Scooped-Toe Rolling-Motion Shoe 238 

122. "Goldsmith Maid" Bar Shoe 239 

123. Shoe to Lessen Knee Action, Prevent Forging, etc 239 

124. Non-Paddling Shoe 240 

125. Rolling Motion Shoe No. 1, for Knee Sprung, Sore Tendons, etc 241 

126. Rolling-Motion Shoe No. 2 242 

127. Front Foot Shoe to Prevent Stumbling, etc 242 

128. Front Foot Toe- Weight Shoe to Balance Action '. 244 

129. Improved Toe-Weight Shoe 244 

130. Front Foot Turn-Table Shoe, for Various Diseases 245 

131. Double Roller Shoe 246 

132. Common-Sense Four-Calk Shoe, for Faulty Movements 247 

133. Front Foot Side- Weight Shoe, for Ankle or Knee Hitting 248 

1 34. Side of Foot with Roller Motion Shoe 248 

1 35. Front Foot Shoe for Draft Horse 249 

1 :>>C>. Front Foot Shoe for Draft Horse 249 

137. Non-Paddling Shoe, Ankle and Shin Cutting 250 

138. Shoe for Bruised and Ulcerated Heels, Corns, etc 250 

1.°/). Shoe to Ba lance and Slow Action of Trotters •. 251 

1 40. Shoe for Track and Road Horses 252 



LIST OF ILLUSTIIATIONS. XXI 11 

PAGE. 

141. Shoe for Extreme Cases of Ankle and Knee Hitting 252 

142. Shoe to Widen the Action Behind 253 

143. Hind Foot Side-Weight Shoe 254 

144. Hind Foot Shoe for Ankle Cutting 254 

145. Shoe for Curb, Spavin and Sore Tendons 2.").") 

146. Shoe to Prevent Bruising or Calking the Coronet 256 

147. Shoe with Calkins to Prevent Twisting 256 

148. Shoe for Wheeled Foot 257 

149. Seooped-Toe Rolling-Motion Shoe 258 

150. Shoe for Line Trotters to Prevent Scalping 258 

151. Bar Shoe for Line Trotters 25!) 

152. Rasp-Cut Bar Shoe to Prevent Slipping 25!) 

153. Rasp-Cut Scooped-Toe Grab Shoe 260 

154. Raised Split-Bar Shoe for Contraction, etc 260 

155. Scoop-Toe Grab Shoe - 261 

156. Center-Bearing Double Rolling-Motion Bar Shoe 261 

157. Scoop-Toe Grab Shoe to Prevent Speedy Cutting 262 

158. Scooped Grab-Toe Bar Shoe to Prevent Slipping 262 

159. Three-quarter Spring Tongue Shoe for Sand Cracks, etc 263 

160. Shoe on Hoof for Sprained Tendons, Wounds, etc 264 

161. Modified Form of same Shoe 264 

162. Ground Surface of Shoe, Fig. 160 265 

163. Ground Surface of Shoe, Fig. 161 265 

164. Foot Bearing Surface of Shoe, Figs. 161 and 163 265 

165. Ground Surface of Spreading Shoe 266 

166. Foot Bearing Surface of Same Shoe 266 

167. Shoe to Prevent Dragging and Forging 267 

168. Shoe to Prevent Ankle Hitting 267 

169. Right Front Bracing Shoe 270 

170. Left Front Bracing Shoe 271 

1 71. Split Bar Shoe 271 

172. Broad Bar Beveled Shoe 272 

173. Left Hind Shoe 272 

174. Shoe to Correct Cutting Inside Point of Toe 273 

175. Shoe to Prevent Ankle Hitting 274 

176. Same 274 

177. Illustration of Knuckling 275 

178-179. Shoe to Prevent Knuckling 276 

180-181. Shoes for Inner and Outer Contraction 277 

182-183. Anti-dragging Shoe Set on Foot 278 

184. Half Bar Shoe for Contraction of Outside Heels and Quarters .... 279 

185. Side View of Heel and Quarter 280 

186. Front Foot Shoe, to Prevent Slipping on Brick and Granite Streets. 281 

187. Front Foot Shoe for Thin Shell or Wail 282 

188. Front Foot Four Calked Shoe, to Quicken Foot Action 282 

189. Front Foot Shoe for Pacer 283 

190. Hind Foot Shoe, to Stop Cross-Firing 283 

191. Rim Shoe, to Lengthen Stride 284 

192. Rim Shoe, to Shorten and Quicken Stride 285 

193. Rim Shoe, to Regulate the Stride 285 

194. New Design of Running Plate 286 

195. Rim Shoe, to Quicken Foot Action 286 

196. F'our Calked Shoe, to Quicken Foot Action 287 

197. Hind Shoe for Hock Action 287 

198. Heel Weight Shoe 288 

199. Front Shoe, to Prevent Knee-hitting 289 

200. Front Foot Shoe for Side Bones 28!) 

201. Ice Shoe 291 

202. Paddling and Knee-hitting Shoe 292 

203. Shoe for Pacing and Trotting 293 

204. Shoe for Splay-footed Horse 294 



XXIV LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 

PAGE. 

205. Shoe to Prevent Paddling 295 

200. Four-calked Bar Shoe 290 

207. Front Foot Shoo, to Quicken the Action in Front 297 

20S. For too much Knee Action 298 

209. Bastard Running Plate 299 

210. Shoe to Pi-event Cross-firing 299 

221. New Square- toed Shoe to Prevent Slipping 306 

212. To Brace up Weak Ankles 300 

213. New Ice Shoe for Trotters and Pacers 301 

214. Non-Paddling Shoe 301 

215. Shoe to Prevent Forging in Calf -kneed Horses 302 

216. Shoe to Prevent Paddling in Left Front Foot 303 

217. Hind Foot Shoe for Nigger-heels and Splay- feet 303 

218. New Style Bar Shoe Racing Plate 304 

219. New Shoe for Trotters and Pacers 305 

220. Plain Square-toed New Bar Shoe 306 

221. New Square-toed Shoe to Prevent Slipping . 306 

222. Half-round Bar Shoe, prevents Scalping 306 

223. Half-round Bar Shoe on Ground tread . 307 

224. Front Shoe to Prevent Knee-hitting 307 

225. Shoe to Prevent Arm and Knee-hitting 307 

226. Plain Hind Grab-toed Shoe for Long Pasterns 308 

227. Front Foot Bar Shoe, Double Rim Grab 308 

228. Square-toed Hind Shoe with Calks . 308 

229. New Hind Shoe, Square Toed 309 

230. Shoe to Brace up Weak Ankles 309 

231. New Double-rimmed, Cap-toed Shoe 309 

232. New Front Balancing Shoe 310 

233. Shoe to Prevent Knee-hitting 310 

234. Front Shoe to Give Horse solid Foothold 310 

Case 1. Improved Farrier's Tools 322 

Case 2. Description of fine Shoes 324 

Case 3. Description of fine Shoes 325 

Case 4. Description of fine Shoes 326 

Case 5. Description of fine Shoes 327 

Case 6. Highest Awards to Prof. Russell 328 

Case 7. Prof. Russell's Hospital Case 329 

Case 8. The Twentieth Century Case ■ 330 

Case 9. Gold Medal, awarded to Prof. Russell 331 

Case 10. Tools made of Horseshoe Nails 332 

Case 11. Shoes made in 1902 333 

Case 12. Shoes made in 1903 334 

Russell's Scientific Foot and Heel Adjusters 335 

Russell's Hand Vise for Hot Filing and Foot Testers 336 




O <? 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



CHAPTER I. 

THE HORSE IN GENERAL. 

JUDGING THE USEFUL QUALITIES OF LIGHT HORSES. 

At the present day, when the horse is so universally em- 
ployed, and when, as a rule, each description of work is per- 
formed by an animal having qualities especially adapted for it, 
most men claim to be familiar with the general characteristics 
that distinguish or mark the several types of the horse, but few 
are really qualified to make an accurate discrimination between 
them, or have the ability to recognize or to judge knowingly of 
the "points" of a horse when it confronts theni. This demands 
a close study of the useful qualities of a horse in all his spheres 
of labor, as well as a close knowledge of his vices, defects, and 
relative soundness in all parts, and implies the possession of ripe 
experience, extensive observation, and intimate acquaintance 
with the ideals that guide breeders in the countless shiftings of 
their work to suit the varying dictates of utility and fashion. 
These attainments are rare and difficult possessions. Previous, 
therefore, to making a critical examination of the organs and 
functions of locomotion, in their relation to shoeing, which is in- 
tended to be the main theme of this book, it is best to take a 
preliminary view of the horse at large, that will, by a natural 
and easy process, lead to a discussion of the details of the subject. 

(25) 



-0 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

Ideal Horse. — The ideal type of horse is the blending to- 
gether of a great many, and this may account for the divergence 
of opinion respecting it, for it is only ideal in the minds of some; 
each sees in part and contributes his observation, and the ideal 
r\ pe becomes evolved ; and it is in knowing this type that the skill 
of the judge is displayed. 

Light Horses. — It is by patient labor that great works are 
accomplished, and thus applies with much force and truth to the 
American method of breeding and training young horses today. 
The trotting horse is distinctively America's national horse and 
par excellence the light roadster of the world, and has been 
evolved from 'the thoroughbred and draft horse in a period of 
less than one hundred years, until now he stands the product of 
the highest and most perfect development of grace, speed, and 
nervous animal force. The light horses of America may be said 
to be included mostly under three heads — the roadster, carriage, 
and cob; and basing this division on the sphere in which each of 
the types acts, we find the trotter the pure bred prototype of the 
roadster, the coach breeds of Europe bearing the same relation 
to the carriage horse of every-day occupation, and the hackney 
the progenitor of the cob. 

The qualities that have the highest value in the roadster are 
speed, stamina, and style; speed at the trotting gait, and the 
talent of making a pleasing display. Such a horse must have 
a free and easy way of going, with a spirited and graceful move- 
ment. The typical roadster has a well-balanced stride and a 
high-headed straight movement that wastes no effort or time. 
He is not a light horse, nor a heavy one, but has the deep chest, 
round barrel and long-drawn quarters, chiseled limbs, tense mus- 
cles, dense clean bone, lean tendons, and refined appearance ob- 
servable among the best turf campaigners. 

The prominent peculiarities of the carriage horse may be 
grouped as style, size and substance. The sphere of the car- 



THE HORSE IN GENERAL. '27 

riage horse is different from the roadster, and the type is tall, 
with a muscular, large-boned, up and outstanding attitude, hav- 
ing the appearance of style and a comparatively slow movement. 

The cob is the counterpart of the hackney in the common 
current of horse life, distinguished by the series of beautiful 
curves that define the outline. The rotundity of the rib and the 
plump muscular quarters and arched molding of the neck are 
influential features in producing the appearance. In movement, 
the spirit, dash and striking muscular action of the knees and 
hocks impress the beholder with the style it displays and the 
appearance of graceful effort without corresponding speed. 

These different types embrace also what might be said here 
in description of the different forms, and include in a general 
way the three points of size, symmetry and substance. 

The carriage horse should be sixteen hands, the cob fifteen 
hands two inches, and the roadster has no recognized limits. It 
is hard to say to what degree size adds to a horse's value. Speed 
does not seem to be always an associate of size, but as the market 
runs it would be advisable to give it some consideration in the 
roadster classes. 

Symmetrical Qualities.— The proportions of a horse for 
symmetry should be such as to make a well-balanced whole. The 
trotter has a proportion of parts peculiarly its own, and likewise 
the other types, and any deviation from these should be consid- 
ered. The substance of a horse is not solely related to weight. 
It is a consideration bearing on power and endurance; the dens- 
ity of bone, curve of muscle, and development of the vital organs 
are the chief concern, and durability as connected with these 
qualities is of prime importance to all horses. The term, good 
or high quality, as applied to horses, is understood to refer to 
clean-cut features, glove-like skin, silky hair, and firm, clean bone 



28 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

and tendons; these are evidences of good healthy organization and 
valuable indications of power under hard strains of usage. 

Judging Action. — To iorm a correct idea of the action of 
a horse, it is necessary to observe it from the front, at the sides, 
and behind. As he squares away from you, the width and straight- 
ness of the movement may be noticed. An outward swing to the 
hind limbs, as well as a dishing in of the front action, is to be 
discountenanced. As the horse comes toward you, the smooth- 
ness of action is made apparent. A wide chest is usually con- 
nected with a rolling motion that gives a horse an awkward 
method of moving. From a side view, it is easy to observe if 
the action is balanced, and the knee action can be noted. A stiff 
knee action may indicate speed when it is rapid and gliding, but 
it is hard on the fore legs. The front action should be such as to 
gives the limbs the appearance of unfolding gradually and steadily 
reaching out to cover as much ground as possible. Many horses 
have an easy, pleasant knee action, but the fault lies in the slow- 
ness of recovery. In the action of the hind limbs, the style and 
hock movement should be observed. Horses that are long-backed 
or weak-loined have a dwelling action behind that is unpleasing 
and detracts from their speed. If there is anything the matter 
with the joints of a horse, it is quickly disclosed by the irregular- 
ity of their action. Most infirmities have a distinct influence 
on the regularity of the movement. The walk is also of great im- 
portance in considering the action. The horse should carry his 
head well up and his step should be lightly measured and delib- 
erate, his feet being lifted clear of the ground and placed down 
evenly. The hind and fore limbs should work in unison, with an 
elastic, nervy movement that lifts some of the soil with every 
step. The flexion of the hocks should be free and straight, throw- 
ins: the hind feet well under the bodv. 



THE HORSE IN GENERAL. 29 

Structural Examination.— The chief aim of a critical struc- 
tural examination is 'to discover blemishes and any unsoundness 
of "wind or limb." 

It is of equal importance to recognize the conformation that 
gives rise to these diseases. The conformation favorable to the 
various diseases should be as familiar to the horse critic as the 
appearance of the diseases. The structural examination should 
begin at the head and extend over all regions systematically, so 
that no parts may be overlooked. The shape of the head and the 
expression of the countenance add to the beauty and tell much 
of the mind and disposition of a horse. When the line from the 
poll to the point of the nose is almost straight, it contributes 
greatly to the beauty of a horse's head. The nostrils should be 
widely expanded, as indicating well-developed respiratory organs. 
The features of the face should be distinct, the muzzle fine, with 
breadth enough between the eyes to give a pleasing, docile, sen- 
sible appearance, and to mark the indication of brain develop- 
ment. A large, bright, clear, full eye reflects a kind, courageous 
disposition, with plenty of staying power or stamina at the bot- 
tom. Active an slightly pointed ears are indicative of unimpaired 
hearing and an energetic disposition. A lithe, distinctly-lined 
neck is one of the most pleasing and taking features of a hand- 
some horse. It begins with a little throttle and swells smoothly 
into the shoulders. The wind-pipe stands out large and distinct 
below, while above, the crest gives a fuller curve and more mus- 
cular development to the part. The chest should be deep rather 
than broad, as giving equal capacity while permitting the free 
play of the shoulder-blade on the body. The floor of the chest 
should be low between the fore legs, and of good length, from the 
point of the chest to that of the elbow. 

MuSCUlar Development. — The formation of the shoulders 
has much to do with the elasticity and quickness of the front 



30 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

action. The length and obliquity of the shoulder-blades are the 
influential features. A long shoulder-blade implies long mus- 
cles, and these possess the greatest elasticity. Short and heavy 
muscles are productive of power at the expense of speed. Up- 
right shoulders result in a short, stilted front action, while slop- 
ing shoulders give the leg a far-reaching motion. Horses of this 
conformation carry their heads well and legs well under the body, 
that, adds much to their appearance. 

Front Limbs. — As a whole, the front legs should be rather 
flat and cordy, due to properly attached tendons. In their pro- 
portions the limbs should be long from the elbow to the knee, 
and relatively short from thence to the ground. It is the upper 
part that is muscular, the lower portion being controlled by ten- 
dons, and it is desirable to have these muscles long and the dis- 
tance over which the tendons move short, that there may be no 
waste of energy and a better control over the lower extremities. 

Breadth and depth are very desirable in the knee, that con- 
cussion may be better distributed and carried off. The pisi- 
form-bone should be sharp and prominent, for to it is attached 
one of the important muscles of the fore limb. The cannon 
should be short, flat, and clean of any thickness of tendon or 
bone disease. A pastern of the proper proportions not only adds 
to the gracefulness and elasticity of the action, but to its reach 
as well. A slope of forty-five to fifty degrees seems to be about 
right to give the required degree of strength and suppleness. 
When the pastern is too long, weakness follows; but when right 
in length and slope, there is a combination of strength, elasticity 
and gracefulness beautiful to observe. 

When the foot leaves the ground the pastern is bent back, 
but when it again touches the ground, it is extended fully and 
brings the foot down on its heels. There is no other part of the 
mechanism of a horse that does more work and does it with less 
friction than a sound and perfectly proportioned pastern. 



THE HORSE EN GEKEEAL. 31 

Feet and Legs. — It is unnecessary for me to say that the 
feet should receive the most rigorous and careful criticism. The 
old maxim, "no foot, no horse/' is to all intents and purposes 
more applicable today than when it was first expressed. 

The perfect foot is of firm texture, fair size, and, of course, 
thoroughly sound in all its parts. The general healthiness of 
it is denoted by the natural waxy appearance of the horny fibers, 
the well-formed, cup-like sole, and the marks of natural usage of 
the spongy frog as a buffer. 

Flatness of sole, desiccated or brittle walls, and contracted 
heels owing to a mutilation of the frog, are defections commonly 
met with, not to say anything of the abnormal variations that 
occur in the direction of the axis of the foot. A skillful judge 
may well spend one-half of his allotted time on the feet of the 
horse undergoing examination, to detect or give tokens of recog- 
nition of any defects of the wall, to see that the horn is dense 
and free from cracks ; the sole, to observe the absence of any dis- 
ease and the presence of the natural concavity and connections; 
the heel to see that the feet are of medium size and of proper 
shape, the frog large and wide, and the bars strong and high. 

The Trunk. — Passing onward the ribs claim attention. 
Round ribs that spring out from the spine may give the horse 
the appearance of being too long in the legs, but they are never- 
theless good in point of giving the greatest amount of space to 
the vital organs. Close coupling to the hip is strength, and so 
is a broad loin thick with layers of muscles. Considering the 
proportions of the body, it is evident that the shorter it is above 
and the longer it is beneath, the better for the action. This form- 
ation gives rise to the approving term that "he stands over a deal 
of ground," and is associated with sloping shoulders. In such a 
conformation the legs have free play, and there is no loss of 
strength. 



3'2 SCIENTIFIC IIOKSESHOEIjXG. 

Hind Limbs. — The hind quarters should be scrutinized as 

to muscular development. From the construction of the hind 
quarters, it is observable that most of the propelling power comes 
from this source, and though the fore hand contributes in a de- 
gree, yet it chiefly supports the weight and carries the body; in 
fact, we may almost compare the hind and fore legs of the horse 
to the drivers and forward trucks of a locomotive. The shoulder- 
blade of the fore leg, attached only by muscles, plays upon the 
body loosely, while the hiud limb is connected to it by a powerful 
ball- and socket-joint, The muscular development of the hind 
legs should be such as to cover any ranginess of the hips, which 
should also be wide and level. The croup from hip to tail requires 
length, width, and muscle to give it proportion and service. Long 
and muscular thighs, well spread and open-angled, provide for a 
long, quick stride. The quarters require an abundance of muscle 
extending well down on the legs. Below this the gaskin, or lower 
thigh, should be long so as to let the hock well down, and it 
should also be muscular and wide. For the hock to do its wore to 
the best advantage and remain free from disease, it is necessary 
for it to be straight, broad in front, sharp behind, and free from 
any gumminess. Experience, knowledge and observation are es- 
sentials to the accurate judgment of these various points, as I 
have already indicated. And much more might be written on 
the subject, but the foundation of facts which I have thus far 
prepared will be found sufficiently broad, I trust, to include what- 
ever may be necessary to insure a ready comprehension of the 
essential matters involved in judging light horses as most com- 
monly pursued, the primary object being to show that scrupulous 
care must be constantly employed in the selection to secure a good 
representative of the equine kind. 



BOA T ES OF THE HORSE. 33 



CHAPTER II. 

BONES OF THE HORSE. 

THE SKELETON. 

In the animal body, the bones form an internal framework, 
consolidating the whole structure and giving it general form and 
dimensions. In their connection and natural assemblage they 
constitute the skeleton, and before undertaking a particular de- 
scription of the foot, it is advantageous that a summary indication 
of the general principles of the skeleton of a horse should be 
known, in order 'to better understand the details of the special 
parts with which we are afterward to have most to do. The 
skeleton is divided into the trunk and limbs. The trunk consists 
of the spine, a series of distinct bones, jointed one to another in 
the middle upper part of the trunk of which it is the essential 
portion, forming a flexible support to the entire body from the 
head to the tail, and the ribs attached to the spine above and the 
sternum below, inclosing the thorax or chest and viscera. 

The Limbs. — The limbs, four in number, distinguished as 
the two anterior (or fore) and the two posterior (or hind), are 
the supports of the trunk, and are each divided into several parts, 
resting one upon another. Each limb has four principal regions, 
those of the front limbs being the shoulder, resting against the 
front part of the chest; the arm, next below the shoulder; the 
forearm, succeeding the arm ; and the foot, the end of the limb. 
Those of the hind limbs are the haunch or pelvis, connected with 
the hind part of the spine, and the thigh, leg and foot. 



34 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

Bones Detailed- — The various bones entering into the com- 
position of the skeleton of an adult horse are apportioned to the 
regions of the trunk and limbs, as follows : 

The spine or vertebral column consists of bones more or less 
regular in their form, divided into five regions. 

The cervical, 7 vertebrae, serving as a base for the neck. — 
The dorsal, 18 vertebras, to which the ribs connect. — The lumbar, 
6 vertebras, supporting the loins. — The sacral, 5 vertebras, in age 
fusing into one bone — the sacrum. — The coccygeal, 16 vertebras, 
decreasing in size to form the tail. 

The first cervical is called the atlas, being elevated above 
the others, and supports the head. The second cervical is the 
axis, being the center upon wdiich the atlas turns. The four- 
teenth dorsal is the center to which all motions and weights are 
referred. 

The thorax consists of the eighteen ribs on each side, placed 
against the dorsal vertebras as mentioned, and resting by their 
lower ends on the sternum, or breast-bone, 37 bones in all. 

The head is divided into two regions, the cranium and face. 
It is formed of 28 bones, which are distinct only in young colts, 
for when matured the majority of these bones are united and can 
not be separated. 

The shoulder has for its base a single bone on each side — 
the scapula or collar-bone — making 2 bones' for double region. — 
The arm has also only one bone to each limb — the humerus — or 
2 for double region. — The forearm has 2 bones — the radius and 
ulna — 4 for double region. — The forefoot, from knee down, has 
16 bones, or 32 for double region — that is, the pisiform, cune- 
iform, lunar, scaphoid, unciform, magnum, and trapezoid bones 
form the carpus or knee, and the cannon-bone and two splints 
form the metacarpus, while the phalangeal or digital region is 
formed of the two sessamoids, upper and lower pastern-bones, 
navicular-bone, and coffin- or pedal-bone. 



BONES OF THE HOUSE. 35 

The pelvis of the back limbs is formed by the union of the 
sacrum and the two ossa innominata or coxae, making for the 
double region 2 bones. — The thigh has for its base one bone — 
the femur — 2 for the double region.— The leg has for its base 3 
bones — the tibia, fibula, and patella — making 6 for the double 
region. — The hindfoot bears a great resemblance to the same 
region in front: 6 bones form the tarsus or hock — the astraga- 
lus, calcis, cuboid, scaphoid, great cuneiform, and small cunei- 
form — making 12 for the double region. — The bones of the 
metatarsus or shank are three in number — the cannon and two 
splints — making 6 for the double region. — The bones of the foot 
or digital region behind are the same in number and name as 
those described for this region before — two sesamoids, two pas- 
terns, navicular, and coffin- or pedal-bone — making 12 for the 
double region. 

There are four bones in each ear, and the tongue is made 
up in iive sections. Summing up, therefore, we find the bones 
of the horse distributed in the manner indicated in the following 
table : 

Bones Enumerated. — Spine or vertebral column (entire 
length, but counting the sacral as one bone — the sa- 
crum), 48 

Thorax or chest 37 

Head — cranium, face, ears, and tongue 41 

Shoulders, forearm and foot — double regions, 40 

Pelvis, thigh, hindleg and foot — double regions. 40 

Teeth 40 

Total 246 

(The canines are commonly absent in the mare.) 

Eig. 2, on the following page, shows the skeleton of the horse 

with the bones in their totality and natural relation to each other 

enumerated and described. 



THE SKELETON AND OUTLINES OF THE HORSE. 

DRAWN FROM NATURE. See Fig. 2. 



1. Cranium and face. 

2. Lower jaw. 

3. Cervical vertebrae— Jointed process of 
the neck. 

4-4. Dorsal vertebrae— Jointed process of 
the back. 

5-5. Lumbar vertebrae — Jointed process of 
the loins. 

6-6. Sacrum. A consolidation of five ver- 
tebrae, articulated, or jointed in front with 
the last lumbar, or loin vertebrae, and be- 
hind with the first coccygeal bone ; and on 
the sides with the coxae, the bones which, 
with the sacrum, form the pelvis. The sa- 
crum is triangular, flattened above and be- 
low, and from before and behind, describes 
a slight curve upward. 

7-7. Coccygeal vertebrae — Jointed process 
extending from sacrum backward. 

8. Sub-trochanterian crest. 

9-9. True ribs. 

10-10. Cartilages of true ribs. 

11-11. False ribs. 

12-12. Cartilages of false ribs. 

13. Collar bone. 

14. Fourteenth Dorsal Vertebra— The 
axis upon which the body is hung. 

15. Radius — Forearm. 

16. Elbow. 

17. Pisiform, or pea-shaped bone. 

18. Cuneiform, or wedge-shaped bone. 

19. Lunar bone. 

20. Trapezoid, or table bone. 

21. Magnum, or large bone. 

22. Scaphoid, or cradle bone. 

23. Unciform, or hock-bone. The pisiform 
bone, together with the last six named, 
make up the carpal bones, and correspond 
with the wrist bones of man. 

24. Cannon or shank bone. 

25-26. Splint bones, two on each leg. 
27-28. Sesamoid bones. 

29. Upper pastern bone. 

30. Coronary, or lower pastern bone. 



31. Coffin or foot bone. 

32. Wing of coffin, or foot bone. 

33-36 and 34-35. Coxae— these bones with the 
sacrum form the pelvis. 

37. Femur. 

38. Tibia. 

39. Os calcis— heel bone. 

40. Astralagus. 

41. Scaphoid, or cradle bone. 

42. Cuneiform, or large wedge-shaped bone. 

43. Os euboides, or cube bone. 

44. Little cuneiform, or wedge-shaped bone. 
The heel bone, together with the five last 
named, form the tarsus, or hock. 

45. Cannon, or shank bone. 

46-47. Exterior and interior splint bones. 

48. SLoulder. 

49. Fibula. 

50. 50, 50, 50. Navicular or nut bone. 

A. Molars. 

B. Canine teeth or tusks. 

C. Incisors. 

E. Atlas— First vertebra, or joint of neck, 
and articulating or joining immediately 
with the occipital or head bone, sustaining 
the head. Hence its name. 

G. Orbit— Cavity in which the eye is situ- 
ated. 

H. Lower tusks. 
I. Lower lip. 

M. Cariniform cartilages. 

N. Ensiform, or sword-shaped cartilage. 

O. Coracoid process of scapula. 

P. Spine. 

Q. Cartilage, or gristle. 

R. Major trochanter. 

S. Sternum, or breast bone. 

T. Trochlea. 

U. External condyle. 

V. Patella or stifle. 

W. Hock joint. 

X. Trochanter— Major externus. 



FIGS. 2-a AND 2-b. 



SIDE VIEWS OF FOEE AND HIND LEGS AND FEET, SHOWING CORRECT POSITIONS 
OF THE TENDONS, LIGAMENTS AND SHEATHS. 



Note. — Where there is a variation, or same letter does not represent same 
object in both, the figures are enumerated. 



A. Flexor perforatus. 
B-B-B. Flexor perforans. 

C. Metacarpal or upper check ligament of 
tbe perforans tendon. 

D. Suspensory ligament of the fetlock. 

E. Front extensor tendon (inserted into 
foot of coffin bone). 

F. Splint bone. 

G. (Fig. 3). Branching of the suspensory 
ligament. 

H-H. (Fig. 2-a) and H. (Fig. 2-b). Branch 
of suspensory ligament passing forward to 
join the extensor tendon. 

I-J. Periosteum membrane covering sur- 
face of cannon and pastern bones. 

K. Junction of suspensory ligament and 
extensor tendon forming broad covering to 
lower pastern. 



L. (Fig. 2-a). Fibrous recticulum (podo- 
phyllus tissue), forming the numerous 
leaves of the sensitive laminae, covering 
the external face of the coffin bone and 
interlocking with the horny leaves (kera- 
phyllous tissue) of the inner surface of 
the surrounding wall. 

M. Pastern supporting or lower check lig- 
ament. See Fig. 4, p. 51, for full explana- 
tion. 

Tarsal sheath. 
Oblique extensor. 
Anterior extensor of meta- 



N. (Fig. 2-b) 

N. (Fig. 2-b) 

O. (Fig. 2-b) 
carpus. 

P. (Fig. 2-b) 

R. (Fig. 2-b) 

S. (Fig. 2-b) 
wall of hoof. 

T. Sesamoidal sheath 



Lateral cartilage. 
Coronary chamber. 
Horny exterior, or outer 



08 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



CHAPTER III. 

THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 

LOCOMOTORY APPARATUS. 

The Subject Defined.— The object of this chapter is to pass, 
in concise review, the organs or apparatus controlling or minis- 
tering to the function of locomotion in the horse, certainly one 
of the most important in the economy of the animal, by the 
necessary co-operation it affords 'the other, organs and apparatuses 
in tlie performance of their natural properties and functions, 
and similarly one of primary importance in approaching the 
study of its conditions in health and disease. For these reasons, 
then, a clear understanding of the foot in general is absolutely 
essential to every horseman and farrier, if they would profit by 
its harmonious action and acquire practical working ideas of the 
relation of its parts and the mode of their co-operation, to be re- 
membered, applied and utilized. 

Motion in General. — The locomotory apparatus is composed 
of two kinds or systems of organs — the bones and muscles. The 
bones are the hard, passive portions, with joints and movable 
articulating surfaces providing for the necessary play in their 
relative positions. The muscles, grouped around the bones, are 
the active portions of the movement — the motor engines of the 
limbs, in fact — being firmly attached to the bones at certain de- 
terminate points, either directly or by tendons, which contract 
upon the organs to be moved, and produce the different postures 
and various gaits of the living animal. 



THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 39 

The Limbs in General. — The bony sections which compose 
the limbs are destined both for the support of the trunk and for 
its transport during progression. This double purpose marks a 
distinction between the fore and hind members. The front limbs, 
being nearest the center of gravity, have to sustain most of the 
body weight, and are therefore specially organized for this ser- 
vice. Thus, the scapula, or shoulder-bone, is attached only by 
muscles to the trunk, and the weight transmitted through them 
passes to the vertical bones of the leg below, which sustain the 
pressure without muscular assistance, but when it is finally thrown 
on the oblique bones of the foot, at the angle of the fetlock, nature 
has provided strong muscular bands for their support and main- 
tenance. 

The hind limbs more especially play the part of propelling 
agents in the locomotory acts, and are jointed in an angular man- 
ner to the different regions and by direct bony connection of the 
pelvis with the vertebral column, as may be seen by glancing at 
the skeleton, Fig. 2. Muscular agency is therefore necessary to 
support these columns, but notwithstanding the difference in 
functions assigned these limbs, they offer striking resemblances 
to each other, and what remains to be said of one is to be consid- 
ered applicable alike to all. 

The Foot in General. — The limits of this region are cus- 
tomarily held to extend from the lower end of the cannon or 
shank-bone, to the coffin- or pedal-bone, inclusive, possessing the 
elements of a single digit inclosed in one hoof. Approaching a 
little nearer, we will proceed with the subject, from within to 
without, by first glancing at the parts contained in the hoof, re- 
turning afterward to a description of the horny case itself. 

The parts contained in the hoof may be given thus : 1. The 
pedal- or coffin-bone, and the navicular-bone, and the lower end 
of the small pastern, forming the articulation of the foot. 2. 



40 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

The ligaments binding this joint. 3. The terminations of the 
tendons that ilex and extend the foot from their insertions in the 
coffin-bone. 4. The soft structures of the foot. 5. The sensitive 
structures, including the vessels and nerves of this region. 

Bones Of the FOOt. — In addition to the foregoing, it is cus- 
tomary to include in each complete digit the ankle, and fetlock, 
as constituting the apparent foot of a horse. The bones of this 
region are then divided into three sections — reckoning from above 
to below — placed end to end one upon another, which are termed 
the phalanges. The first comprises the large or upper pastern- 
bone and the two sesamoids, which unite with the lower head of 
the cannon-bone in forming the pastern- joint. The second pha- 
lanx is composed of the small or lower pastern and by its contact 
with the upper pastern makes the pastern- joint. The third and 
last phalanx, terminating the limb, consists of the pedal- or coffin- 
bone and the navicular-bone, which unite with the lower end of 
the small pastern in forming the pedal- or coffin- joint. These bones 
are situated in an oblique direction downward and forward, and 
form the extremity of the digit upon which the soft structures of 
the foot are built, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5. 

The Pedal- Or Coffin-Bone.— The third phalanx of the foot 
has, from the earliest times, most occupied the attention of ob- 
servers, owing to its greater liability than any bone of the ex- 
tremities to injury from casualties natural to its peculiar situa- 
tion and uses. It is the base upon which the entire foot is con- 
structed, sustaining the hoof that incloses it as it fixes itself on 
the ground, and acting as the point of leverage in receiving and 
applying the power involved in the movement of the limb. It is 
a very hard bone, very finely poroused with numerous perfora- 
tions and channels for the penetration of blood-vessels and nerves 
supplying the enveloping tissues. Its lower border swells for- 



THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 41 

ward in a half -circle 'and obliquely upward to a pyramidal emi- 
nence in its middle, on the front face of which is inserted the at- 
tachments of the principal extensor tendon of the foot, as shown 
in Fig. 4 and colored plates. 

The under face is hollowed out like an arch, corresponding 
to the sole of the hoof, and here the terminal tendon of the deep 
flexor of the foot — the flexor perforans — is inserted into the semi- 
lunar crest, widening in a remarkable manner over the median im- 
rjrints, as shown in Fig. 12. 

There are two lateral wings to this bone directed backward, 
on the summit of which the lateral cartilages of the foot are im- 
planted. 

Bones and their Articulations.— In all those situations 

which have to sustain violent efforts, the substance of the bones 
is found to be very compact, formed of a proper tissue, covered 
outside with a tough, elastic membrane — the periosteum — and 
are abundantly supplied with blood-vessels and nerves for their 
nutritive movement. On their articular surfaces — between the 
opposing heads or facets combining in the joints — they are cov- 
ered with layers of elastic cartilage, which are of the greatest 
importance in the smooth gliding movements of the bones and 
in the reduction of shocks and articular friction. When they are 
worn or transformed into bore, in consequence of certain articular 
maladies, the movements become painful and very difficult. 

Ligaments and Lubricants. — The structures whose office is 

to brace and maintain the joints in contact and unite the movable 
surfaces are the ligaments. These are powerful auxiliaries of 
the muscular forces, give permanent equilibrium to the weight, 
and secure the firm and effective working of the articular sur- 
faces. A serous membrane covers the internal face of the liga- 
ments, which secretes the synovia, a kind of animal oil that faeili- 



42 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

rates the gliding of the articular surfaces and tendons. It is the 
vital lubricant of the living machine, and its use in the aniinal 
economy is identical with that of other greasy substances em- 
ployed to lubricate mechanical bearings. See colored plates. 

WlUSCleS Of the Foot and Leg.— Following the indication 
given of the passive organs of locomotion, the bony levers and 
their joints, comes a reference to the active agents whose func- 
tion it is to move them. These are the muscles, and form, gen- 
erally speaking, the fleshy covering surrounding the bony frame- 
work and grouped around and attached to the bones of the ex- 
tremities. 

The situation and direction of the muscles are important 
features to be acquired with regard to their arrangement and use 
in communicating motion to the leg and foot, for it allows the 
determination of the angle of incidence of a muscle on its arm 
of the lever, the relation of its principal axis to the vertical line, 
and its comparison with the axis of the bony lever which it 
moves. If the direction of the muscles be compared with that 
of the bones of the limb that they move, it will be found that they 
are parallel to these levers, and the proper direction of the bones 
being known to be rectilinear, that is, their principal axis being 
straight or parallel to the median plane of the body, it is suffi- 
cient to indicate that of the muscles to clearly establish this com- 
parison. Undoubtedly the most essential part of the study of the 
muscles is their attachments or insertions, for with this knowledge 
we may determine their extent and direction, and even their rela- 
tions and uses. The principal muscles of the extremities have 
fixed insertions of -a cordy structure known as tendon or sinew. 
The superficial muscles are only related to the bones by their ex- 
tremities, while the deep muscles are applied by their bodies di- 
rectly against the hones of the skeleton. Three principal tendons 
serve to move the bones of the foot. Two of these flex or bend the 



THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 43 

joints while the other straightens the column of bones thus dis- 
placed. The superficial flexor of the foot is the flexor perforatus, 
which is attached to the sides of the lower pastern-bone and flexes 
the ankle at the fetlock. The deep flexor of the foot is the flexor 
perforans, inserted into the bottom of the coffin-bone, whence it 
bends the coffin- joint and with it the whole foot. The front ex- 
tensor tendon of the foot is attached to the pyramidal process of 
the coffin-bone. There are many other minor muscles, fixed and 
movable, connected with the cannon, splints, and other bones of 
the limb, which assist in the various movements and in their de- 
gree relieve the controlling muscles of a share of the stress of 
weight, as well as of whatever force or strain is brought to bear 
upon them. See Fig. 4 and colored plates. 

Soft Tissues. — The bones, ligaments and muscles of the 
foot are covered by a loose connective tissue, which gives symme- 
try to the parts, and all are protected by the external covering of 
skin and horn tissues. I have already mentioned that in connec- 
tion with the coffin-bone there is a supplementary apparatus of 
cartilage formation. This is composed of two lateral pieces, rep- 
resenting a thin flat plate on each side, of a fibrous elastic sub- 
stance, pierced with openings for the passage of veins and nerves 
of the digital region. They are united behind and below to the 
plantar cushion, and in front cover the articulation of the coffin- 
joint and synovial sac, blending into the ligaments at that point. 
These cartilages are adapted to act as pads in easing shocks caused 
by exertions of the foot, but it often happens that they undergo 
changes and are invaded by an ossifying process which converts 
them into bone, as explained in a subsequent chapter. 

The coronary cushion is a continuation of the skin and forms 
an intermediate juncture between it and the wall of the hoof, of 
which it is the matrix. It occupies a groove, called the cutigeral 



44 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

cavity, at the upper border of the horny wall, and forms a rounded 
prominence of dense, thick fibres, and assists in the elastic action 
of the cartilages and laminar tissues. Its surface is tufted with 
villi and shows a considerable number of nerves and blood-vessels 
which branch through its substance and secrete the horny tissue 
of the wall. Around its upper border is a narrow, lip-like mar- 
gin called the perioplic ring, from which exudes the periople — the 
natural horny varnish of the wall. The coronary cushion mingles 
with the internal tissues of the foot and becomes continuous with 
the bulbs of the sensitive frog. See colored plates. 

Sensitive Tissues. — The sensitive frog, or plantar cushion, 
is a thick, wedge-shaped mass of fibrous structure of fine elastic 
pulp situated beneath and behind the foot bones (to which it is 
attached) and between the back tendons (which it supports) and 
the lower part of the hoof. It is lodged in the fissures of the 
horny frog, receiving the spur or frog stay in the middle of its 
pyramidal body, which thus divides it into two diverging bulbs 
exactly like that of the outer frog to which it corresponds. At 
the point, or apex in front, it becomes continuous with the sen- 
sitive sole, and at the sides is attached to the lower edges of the 
cartilages. The base, formed by the bulbs behind, is inclined up- 
ward, and mixes its fibers with the cartilages and coronary cush- 
ion. Numerous blood-vessels and nerves complete this structure. 
See colored plates. 

The sensitive sole, or velvety tissue, is the formative organ of 
the horny sole and frog. It is much thinner than the plantar 
cushion, and extends over or under the entire plantar region as 
well as the plantar cushion, which it covers by adapting itself 
to the inequalities of this elastic mzss. This tissue shows the 
same structure as the coronary cushion, with the extremities of 
which it unites on the bulbs of the frog, continuing above the 
laminae of the bars. The surface of this tissue is. studded with 



THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 45 

villi, similar to those on the coronary cushion, which penetrate 
into and supply the horny sole and frog, and in its meshes are 
sustained the veins of the lower surface of the foot. See colored 
plates. 

Continuous with the sensitive sole (and resembling it in 
structure), and spreading over the entire outer or upper face of 
the coffin-bone until it is merged into the projecting substance of 
the coronary cushion, is a villous .sheath, called the keratogenous 
membrane or laminal tissue, which completes the sensitive en- 
velopes of the extremity of the digit. This laminal tissue ex- 
hibits on the external face of the coffin-bone a series of fine 
elastic leaves, called the sensitive lamina?, which lie in parallel 
rows, to the number of five or six hundred, running from above 
to below, separated by narrow, somewhat deep channels, into 
which are dovetailed similar horny leaves from the wall and bars 
of the hoof. This leafy tissue is intimately attached to the coffin- 
bone through the medium of the reticulum, which also supports 
the veins that supply its secretion. Like the other vascular tis- 
sues, it is very richly supplied with blood-vessels and nerves, and 
is at once the seat of acute sensation and the point where the 
active changes of inflammation — villitis and laminitis — are es- 
pecially concentrated, becoming morbidly increased through the 
effects of bad shoeing, hard pulling, or driving and other like 
abuses. These parts are, in fact, the principal instruments con- 
cerned in the sensory apparatuses of the horse's foot, and the sen- 
sitive lamina? play a most important mechanical part in con- 
curring, by their dovetailing with the horny laminae, in securing 
the solidity of the hoof with the living parts as well as in support- 
ing the weight of the animal, which is distributed through them 
upon the base of the wall. See colored plates. 

Circulation Of the Foot. — As we have indicated in the fore- 
going analysis, all the soft or sensitive tissues of the foot are freely 



4(3 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

supplied with, blood, in greater or less quantities, depending upon 
the function which the tissue has to perform. If this is great, 
as in the more sensitive parts of the foot, a large amount of blood 
is required, if the labor is a less exciting one, as in the cartilages, 
and ligaments or membranes, the nutrition is furnished by imbib- 
ing the fluids brought to the surface by blood-vessels. The blood 
is carried from the heart to the various organs by the arteries or 
their small terminations, and is named red or arterial blood. The 
veins of general circulation bring the nutritive fluid back to the 
heart, and, according to its tint, it is named dark colored or 
venous blood. Both systems present at their extremities innu- 
merable branches, which finally join each other, so that the fluid 
they carry passes from one to the other in a constant or circular 
direction. Between the two are small delicate networks of ves- 
sels called capillaries, which subdivide into a regular lacework 
so as to reach the neighborhood of every element. 

Nerve Supply. — The amount of blood, under normal con- 
ditions is governed by nerves of the sympathetic system which 
regulate the conditions of repose and activity. The nerves issue 
from the cranium and branch into all the organs like the arteries 
which they generally accompany. They furnish the stimulus to 
animal life, and in the digits are the essential instruments of 
touch or sensation. Three branches of the internal and external 
plantar nerves furnish the foot on each side, and accompany the 
digital artery and vein, which at some points they cover with their 
divisions. The order of their distribution and termination, to- 
gether with that relating to the circulatory system of the foot gen- 
erally, will be clearly comprehended by a glance at the several 
colored plates illustrating this section. See pp. 50 to 62. 

Homy TiSSUeS. — The hoof of the horse — considered as a 
whole — represents the horny outer covering, completing the ex- 



THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 47 

tremity of the digit. It answers to the same natural purpose as 
the nail in man, by protecting the sensitive parts beneath. It 
is united most intimately with the internal tissues by the inter- 
locking processes of the surfaces in contact, and is made up of 
three portions — 'the wall, sole and frog. 

The Wall. — The wall is that portion visible when the foot 
rests on the ground, the middle of which is termed the toe, the 
adjoining fronts of face are the inside and outside toes, while the 
6ide regions are 'the quarters, the back extremities are the heels, 
which fold underneath and terminate in the bars. These parts 
are all continuous, diminishing in height and thickness from toe 
to heels, and all are lined with the horny leaves referred to. The 
bars are separated from the frog by lateral excavations called 
commissures, until they gradually fuse into the sole. They form a 
lateral brace to the heels, limiting expansion and opposing con- 
traction in these parts. The outside of the upper border is hol- 
lowed out, forming the cutigeral cavity of the coronary cushion 
and perioplic ring. 

The Sole. — The sole incloses the hoof on the ground sur- 
face, between the wall and bars, with which it is united through- 
out its extent. Its upper surface corresponds with the sensitive 
sole, showing the pores receiving the velvety tufts, and its exter- 
nal face is more or less concave according to circumstances. It 
is a thick horny plate, scaling off after a certain natural growth, 
and is designed to cover and protect the internal foot. 

The Frog. — Between the V shaped angle formed by the in- 
flection of the bars at the heels, the frog — a prominent mass of 
spongy horn — is lodged. It is wedge-shaped, with its point near 
the center of the sole, to which it closely adheres along its lines 
as they diverge backward, where it becomes continuous with the 
coronary band. The frog is separated into two external branches 



48 SCIENTIFIC HOKSESHOEIKG. 

by a median cleft, each branch forming a rounded elastic emi- 
nence at the heels where they cover the angles of inflection of the 
wall. The internal face of the frog is indented with pores like 
the sole, and is molded to conform to the body of the sensitive 
frog, having a triangular Assure divided into two channels by a 
spine or ridge-like spur, called the frog-stay, into and over which 
the sensitive frog is bedded. The frog, like the sole, exfoliates or 
scales off by usage and growth, and is the natural buffer of a 
healthy foot when allowed to come in contact with ithe ground. 

Development Of the Hoof. — The horny substance constitut- 
ing the hoof of a horse is of a fibrous nature, formed of minute 
hair-like tubes, cemented together by a tenacious opaque matter, 
taking its general color from the skin of the limb to which it 
adjoins; the inner face of the wall, however, is always of a light 
tint. The horny tissue of the hoof, being a dependency of the 
skin, is developed like it ; that is, by cells in rows and layers. The 
perioplic ring f ormis the periople ; the coronary cushion, the wall, 
and the velvety tissue, the sole and frog. The consistence of the 
horn in the wall is dense, solid and compact, while that of the 
sole and frog is of a scaly, spongy nature. The growth of the 
wall of the hoof is constant or indefinite, but the sole and frog, 
after attaining a certain thickness, exfoliate and fall off, unless 
prevented by shoes from maintaining their natural flexibility. 
See colored plates. 

It may here be noted that the angle of wall of the hoof in 
front varies from forty-five to fifty-six degrees. The inner face 
of the wall at the middle of the toe is in line with the frog-stay, 
and in mules frequently shows a more or less prominence of base 
toward the lower margin of wall, which corresponds to a ver- 
tical depression in the coffin-bone, and it is not improbable that 
it serves the same purpose as the frog-stay — to maintain the posi- 
tion of the coffin-bone, and prevent its rotation within the hoof. 



THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 49 

Importance Of the Subject. — The foot of the horse is an ex- 
tremely important study because of the numerous diseases which 
affect this region, but what I have said, in thus reviewing the 
structure and normal condition of the essential organs of locomo- 
tion, will probably be sufficient to include whatever may be nec- 
essary to insure a ready comprehension of the other essential 
matters which are to follow, and facilitate a clear understanding 
of the requirements necessary to that perfection and regularity 
which characterize the natural performance of the various move- 
ments of the horse. 

So long as the bones, muscles and tendons; the joints with 
their ligaments, cartilages and their synovial structure ; the nerves 
and the controlling influences which they exercise over all, with 
the blood-vessels which distribute to every part the vitalizing fluid 
which sustains the whole in being and activity — so long as these 
various constituents and adjuncts of animal life preserve their 
physiological functions, locomotion will continue to be performed 
with perfection and efficiency. Other points of pathological in- 
terest, relating to obstruction or misdirection and lack of balance 
in certain portions of the locomotory apparatus, will receive due 
attention as we proceed with the illustration of our subject and 
examine the matters which it most concerns us to bring under 
consideration. 



50 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



A, Pedal- or coffin-bone- — 
third phalanx terminating 
the foot. 

B, Extremity of navicular 
bone. 

C, Small or lower pastern 
bone — second phalanx. 

D, Large or upper pastern 
bone — first phalanx. 

E, Pyramidal process on 
coffin-bone, which gives in- 
sertion to the tendon of the 
front extensor of the foot, 
and which braces the joint 
by preventing the pastern 
from slipping too far for- 
ward. 

F, Basilar process of wing 
to which the lateral carti- 

Fig. 3. side view of the phalangeal SEC- lage is attached. 
tions of the foot, showing the bones of the G, Irregular ridge above 
digital region. their normal relations TO the retrorsal process or pre- 
each other. plantar fissure, through 

which passes the lateral 
laminal and preplantar un- 
gual arteries and their sat- 
ellite nerves. 




The lower face of this bone is arched, and into its crest is 
fixed the insertion of the deep flexor of the foot. The articula- 
tions of these bones with each other, and with the lower extremity 
of the cannon-bone, form the ankle and fetlock joints. The line 
through their central axis defines the natural incidence of the 
weight in its descent from the body, and indicates that the natu- 
ral inclination of the coffin-bone is in direct line with the pasterns. 



THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 



51 



A, Flexor perforatus (attached to lower pas- 
tern bone ) . 

B, Flexor perforans (inserted under coffin- 
bone ) . 

C, Metacarpal or check ligament of the per- 
forans tendon. 

D, Suspensory ligament of the fetlock. 

E, Front extensor tendon (inserted into front 
of coffin-bone ) . 

F, Splint bone on outer side of the cannon. 

G, Branching of the suspensory. 
H, Branch of same passing forward to join the 

extensor tendon. 

I, J, K, Periosteum membrane covering the 
surfaces of the cannon and pastern bones. 

L, Fibrous reticulum covering the face of the 
coffin-bone and forming the reticular tissue leaves, 
or sensitive laminae, which dovetail into the horny 
leaves of the wall, completing the union of these 
regions. 

M, The pastern-supporting or check liga- 
ment. This has never before been shown in 
anatomical drawings. It binds the upper head 
of the lower pastern to the lower head of 
the upper pastern, and is located midway be- 
tween the flexor tendon and upper pas- 
tern bone. Its office is plainly duplex — it 
holds the ankle and pastern joint firmly 
in position, and divides the strain with the 
flexor tendon in its severe down- 
ward action. 




Fig. 4. External side view of left 
front limb, showing the articulations, 
tendons, and ligaments of the knee, 
fetlock, and foot. 



52 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



A, Coffin-bone. 

B, Navicular-bone. 

C, Lower pastern-bone. 

D, Upper pastern-bone. 

E, Cannon-bone. 

F, Velvety tissue or sensitive sole. 

G, Horny wall. 
H, Horny sole. 

I, Horny frog. , 

K, Plantar-cushion or sensitive sole. 

L, Horny laminae. 

M, Sensitive laminae. 

N, Front extensor tendon. 

O, Perforatus (superficial flexor 

P, Perforans (deep flexor of the foot 
Inserted under the coffin-bone 

Q, Metacarpal ligament (joining the 
perforans tendons ) . 

R, Suspensory ligament of the fet- 
lock. 

S, Sesamoid-bone ( dotted line ) . 

T, Branch of per- 
foratus tendon attached 
to lower pastern-bone. 




Fig. 5. median section of front digit, from base 
of foot to head of cannon bone, showing arrange- 
ment of the articular and muscular apparatus. 



The dotted line through center of digital bones shows the 
line of action of weight from above to below, and marks the 
normal angle of the foot. 



THE FOOT OF THE IIOESE. 



53 




Fig. 6. side view of the outside half of the right front foot with 
wall of the hoof removed, showing numerous leaves of the sensitive 
laminal tissue. 

A, Median section of the hoof, continued through wall, sole and frog. 
B, Base of hoof on opposite side. C, The keratogenous membrane or sensi- 
tive laminae, covering the upper face of the pedal-bone, consisting of vascular 
leaves, designed to interlock with the horny laminae on the inner face of the 
wall of the hoof. D, The coronary-cushion, showing its continuance to the 
bulbs of the plantar-cushion at the heel and the perioplic ring around its upper 
border. 



To the great vascularity of these sensitive tissues is due the 
bright red color they show on the surface. They form, in their 
connection with the plantar surface of the velvety tissue, the es- 
sential apparatus of touch and feeling in the foot. They are, in 
addition, highly elastic and assist in the springy action so neces- 
sary to the ease of the foot when exerted in speed or in the severe 
strains of drawing heavy loads. 



54 



SCIENTIFIC HOBSESIIOELNG. 




A, Numerous leaves of the sensi- 
tive laminae ( podophyllous tissue) 
formed by the reticulum covering the 
external face of the coffin-bone, and 
which interlock with the horny 
leaves ( keraphyllous tissue) of the 
surrounding wall. 

B, Coronary-cushion, the organ 
which develops the horny wall, and 
acts in reciprocal relation between it 
and the skin above, as an elastic 
medium of connection. It also 
unites in the same manner with the 
vascular laminae, and is prolonged 
downward at the back into the bulbs 
of the plantar-cushion and the vil- 
lous tunic of the velvety tissue. 



Fig. 7. Front view of the horse's 
foot, showing the superficial appear- 
ance of the keratogenous membrane, 
or laminae tissue, after removal of 

THE HOOF. 



The villi of the coronary-cushion and velvety tissue deter- 
mine the structure and maintain the elasticity of the entire hoof. 
The lamina! tissue has the property of throwing out a temporary 
horn, whether exposed by stripping off the hoof or by the active 
changes of inflammation, but this must be replaced by that from 
the coronet when the foot returns to its normal condition. 



THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 



55 



Fig. 8. Internal structures of the region of 
the left fore-foot as seen from the outer side. 

A, Lateral cartilage of the coffin-bone. 

B, Reticulum, enveloping the coffin-bone, sus- 
taining the blood-vessels and laminal tissues of 
this region. 

C, Tendon of the front extensor of the foot to 
its insertion on eminence of coffin-bone. 

D, Terminal of the side extensor of the foot. 

E, Rear face of the sesamoid branch of the 
transverse ligament. 

F, Periosteum membrane, covering the surfaces 
of the cannon and pastern bones. 




These plates represent the arteries in red, the veins in bine, 
and the nerves in white. Each of these systems maintains the 
most intimate relations with the others and meets in the extremi- 
ties in various forms of branches, collaterals, and ganglionic en- 
largements, remarkable alike for their large volume, intricate 
reticulation and extreme delicacy. 

The divisions shown in this plate are the digital and ungual 
arteries and veins of the plantar region, the veins of the coronary 
plexus, and the median circumflex artery of the foot together with 
the digital branches of the median or cubic plantar nerve. 



66 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




B, Continuation of the fibrous reticulum, 
for the support of the vessels and leafy tissue on 
the coffin-bone. 

C, Tendon of the front extensor of the foot going 
on to the coffin-bone. 

E, Rear margin of sesamoid ligament. 

F, Periosteum of the cannon- and pastern- 
bones. 



Fig. 9. inteenal structures of the region of 
the left fore foot, as seen from the inner side. 

The digital arteries and veins course almost immediately be- 
neath the skin. Descending from above the fetlock joint they 
follow the course of the flexor tendon and throw out innumerable 
twigs and divergent ramifications to supply the surfaces, as well 
as the deeper tissue substances of the foot. Those shown in this 
plate are the perpendicular artery, circumflex coronary, artery 
of the plantar cushion, preplantar ungual, venous network of the 
laminal tissue, coronary plexus, and the deep cartilaginous layer 
— all flanked by the plantar nerve, which interlaces them with 
numerous filaments. 



THE FOOT OF THE HOUSE. 



57 



Fig. 10. FRONT VIEW of the foot region, 

SHOWING THE ARRANGEMENT OF THE INTER- 
NAL STRUCTURES. 

A, Front border of the lateral cartilage 
of the coffin-bone (the corresponding piece 
on the other side having been removed). 

B, Continuation of the reticulum, form- 
ing the membraneous net, which holds in its 
meshes the dependent vessels and laminal 
tissues on the coffin-bone. 

C, Tendon of the front extensor of the 
foot to its insertion in the coffin-bone. 

D, Terminal of the side extensor of the 
foot. 

F, Inner and outer borders of the cannon- 
bone. 




The external and collateral branches of the perpendicular 
artery and satellite veins and nerves are here shown by their an- 
terior branches, which concur in forming the articular branch of 
the phalanx, veiny plexus of the coronary crown circle, and net 
of the reticular tissue, accompanied by the vasa motor nerves be- 
longing to the plantar system. 



58 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




A, Rear border of the lateral cartilage 
( the other being omitted ) . 

B, Pyramidal base or bulbs of the plan- 
tar cushion or sensitive frog, interposed be- 
tween the perforans tendon and the horny 
hoof. 

C, Reinforcing phalangeal sheath covering 
the perforans tendon and the suspensory 
ligament with a fibrous expansion and at- 
taching itself to the larger part of the pas- 
tern-bones. 

D, Flexor perforans at its exit from 
between the two branches of the perforatus. 

E, Superficial bundle or ring of the sesa- 
moid ligament. 

F, Flexor perforatus, giving off two 
branches toward the bottom, which become 
attached to the lower pastern-bone. 



Fig. 11. back of the foot RE- 
GION, SHOWING THE INTERNAL AR- 
RANGEMENT OF THE PHALANGES. 



The arteries, veins and nerves are the posterior offshoots of 
the internal and external collaterals, furnishing this region same 
as previously referred to. 



THE FOOT OF THE HOUSE. 



59 




Fig. 12. plantar surface at lower face of the third or ungual 
phalanx of. the foot, the pedal, or coffin-bone, upon which the digit is 

BASED. 

This view represents the sole of the bone covered by the 
plantar reticulum and shows the origin of the preplantar ungual 
artery as it emerges at the retrossal process of the wings and 
loops into the semi-lunar anastomotic arch, communicating in 
the bone. The radiating branches from this arch and from the 
outer border correspond with the affluents of Figs. 13 and 14. 
The nerves shown are the descending posterior branches of the 
preplantar nerve, accompanying the digital artery on the retros- 
sal process, traversing the cartilages and laminal tissues, and 
terminating around the plantar ungual artery in the plantar 
fissure. 

The attachment of the deep flexor of the foot — the perforans 
— is shown as covering the semi-lunar crest and the median im- 
prints of this bone; widening into a large expansion designated 
the plantar aponeurosis. This terminal expansion is covered by 
the plantar cushion which adheres to it most intimately. This 
muscle ilexes the phalanges on one another, and it also concurs in 
flexing the entire foot on the forearm. 



60 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 13. the plantar reticulum or ker- 
atogenous membrane covering the lower 
face of the coffin-bone, and sustaining 
in its meshes the veins of the solar 

PLEXUS. 



A, Lower border of the lateral 
cartilage of the coffin-bone (the 
part corresponding to this on 
the other side being detached 
for this illustration.) 

B, The proper tissue, or vil- 
lous tunic of the reticulum, 
which is correlated to the upper 
surface of the velvety tissue, 
and answers to the periosteum 
on the coffin-bone, which it en- 
velopes like a villous sheath. 

C, The periphery of the re- 
ticular tissue, conspicuous for 
the divisions of arteries and ves- 
sels which it sustains and which 
prevail so largely throughout 
the whole extent of the plantar 
surface. 



The venous apparatus of the digital region is remarkable 
for the number, distribution and interlaced disposition of the 
vessels composing it. They are extended over and molded on the 
two last phalanges of the foot, discharging themselves by numer- 
ous descending and ascending branches, converging in flexiform 
nets and arches, and communicating with each other, or travers- 
ing every element, by an intricate system of arterioles or venules, 
analogous to the capillary system. 



THE FOOT OF THE HORSE. 



61 



A, Lower face of the 
velvety tissue, or sensi- 
tive sole immediately 
overlying the horny 
sole, which it secretes. 

B, Base, or bulbs of 
the plantar cushion, sep- 
arated by the depression 
or cleft (median lacu 
na), on the inside of 
which the spur or stay 
of the horny frog 
reaches. 

C, Return of the bars 
to their junction with 
the wall. 

D, Arch, or spring of 
the bars, formed by 
their angle of inflection 
at the heels, also show- 
ing the laminal leaves 
covering them. 




FIG. 14. THE LOWER FACE OF THE HORSE'S FOOT, 
AFTER REMOVAL OF THE HORNY HOOF. 



The arteries forming the plexus or network furnishing this 
region of the foot are similar to those shown on the other plates, 
and like them proceed from the parent trunk, descending on the 
side of the digit, terminating in the plantar ungual branch from 
which the inferior communicating arteries pass through the fora- 
mina just above the edge of the coffin-bone, branching closely over 
the laminal tissue and uniting below to form the large circum- 
flex, or peripheral artery, which runs around the toe. They also 
help to form the inferior circumflex artery and finally join the 
coronary plexus — collectively forming the circulatory apparatus 
of the entire digital region. 



62 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 15. a perfect hoof, removed from the foot, showing a lateral 

posterior view of a sound natural and healthy development of wall 

horny laminae coronary chamber sole, frog-stay, fissures and bars. 



ANATOMY OF HORSE'S FOOT AAD LEG, 63 

ANATOMY OF THE HORSE'S FOOT AND LEG. 

Adapted from the subject-matter of tltis chapter. 



No Foot, no Horse. 

The following questions and answers relating to the foot and 
leg of the horse illustrate the main points with which the farrier 
should be familiar. In introducing them, it is believed that they 
will aid materially in rendering the illustrations intelligible. 

Q. 1. What bones are included in the wall of the foot proper ? 

A. The coffin and navicular bones, together with about one- 
fourth of the lower pastern, making altogether two and one- 
fourth bones. See Fig. 5, p. 52. 

Q. 2. What office do the coffin-bones perforin ( 

A. They bear and support the weight of the horse. See Fig. 
2, p. 36. 

Q. 3. What office does the navicular or nut bone perform? 

A. It acts as a fulcrum, underneath which moves the flexor 
perforans attached to the coffin-bone, and is movable with every 
action of the foot. See Fig. 5, p. 52. 

Q. 4. What office does the insensitive sole of the foot per- 
form ? 

A. It protects the sensitive sole from external injuries. See 
Fig. 15, p. 62. 

Q. 5. What office does the insensitive frog perform ? 
A. It serves as a cushion and* prevents concussion upon the 
sensitive parts of the foot. See Fig. 14, p. 61. 

Q. 6. What office does the cleft of the frog perform ? 



64 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

A. It is the means of folding and unfolding the frog, as the 
foot expands and- contracts. See A, Fig. 23, p. 97. 

Q. 7. Of what use are the bars or binders of the foot ? 

A. They keep the foot in its proper expansion in a natural 
foot. The fissure inside serves to support the sensitive frog. See 
Fig. 24, p. 98. 

Q. 8. What office does the coronary substance or band per- 
form ? 

A. It is the uniting part that holds the hoof to the pastern. 
It expands and contracts to the action of the foot when in motion. 
It is the substance which secretes the growth of new horn. See 
Fig. 15, p. 62. 

Q. 9. What office do the sensitive laminae, and the insensi- 
tive laminae, or horny plates, perform \ 

A. The sensitive laminae are dovetailed or imbedded into the 
insensitive laminae, or horny plates of the hoof, and together 
serve as a cushion to ease the effects of the footfall. There are 
between six and seven hundred in number, as estimated by the 
best authorities. E"ow, at every step the horse takes, the laminae 
ascend and descend a quarter of an inch. Figuring on the basis 
of seven hundred of each, there are seven hundred quarters of an 
inch to break concussion, or one hundred and seventy-five inches. 
Reducing to feet, this makes fourteen and seven-twelfths feet to 
break concussion. The laminae keep the coffin-bone from pressing 
upon the sensitive sole, so it is quite essential to keep the foot 
well balanced and in a healthful state. See Figs. 6, p. 53 ; 7, p. 
54; 15, p. 62. 

Q. 10. What office does the verticulum or membranous cov- 
ering of the coffin-bone perform ? 

A. It acts as a protecting cushion between the coffin-bone and 
sensitive lamina?, and prevents friction to these parts. See Figs. 
8, p. 55; 9, p. 56. 



ANATOMY OF HORSE'S FOOT AND LEG. 65 

Q. 11. What office does the lateral cartilage attached to the 
back part of the foot perform ? 

A. It is a protection to the nerves, arteries and veins, and 
assists in giving the springy foot action when in normal health. 
See Figs. 8, p. 55; 10, p. 57; 11, p. 58; 13, p. 60. 

Q. 12. Of what use are the sesamoid bones ? 

A. They act as pulleys for the flexor perforans to play over, 
and as a support to the suspensory ligaments of the leg. See Fig. 
5, p. 52. 

Q. 13. Of what use are the splint bones ? 

A. They are attached to the cannon bone, one on each side, 
being larger at the top, and support the two outer carpal bones. 
See Fig. 2, p. 36. 

The Arteries, Veins and Nerves. 

(See Figs. 4 to 15, pp. 51 to 62.) 

Q. 14. What office does the plartar artery perform? 

A. It supplies the foot with blood. 

Q. 15. What office does the plantar vein perform? 

A. It carries the blood from the foot. 

Q. 16. What office does the plantar nerve perform? 

A. It conveys the sensation of feeling to the foot. 

Q. 17. What is scientific horseshoeing? 

A. It is a noble, artificial skill of man, working in conjunc- 
tion with nature, to keep the foot in its natural formation. The 
shoe is to protect the foot from external injuries. 

Q. 18. How many acts are. there to be performed before the 
foot is properly shod ? 

A. There are three acts required: First, to remove all the 



66 SCIENTIFIC HOKSESHOEING. 

surplus growth, aud properly shape the foot to its natural form 
and size; second, to select a bar of iron or steel, make a shoe of 
suitable weight, such as the foot and leg require for the work the 
horse has to perform, -and fit the same properly to the foot ; third, 
to nail the shoe to the foot. Each of these operations must work 
in entire harmony with the rest; otherwise one would undo the 
others. Thus, the shoe must be properly adjusted and accurately 
driven on the foot, or else the foot will be unbalanced and the 
utility of the combined operations destroyed or crippled. 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 67 



CHAPTER IV. 

PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 

METHODS OF SCIENCE, ART, AND COMMON SENSE. 

Necessity Of Shoeing.— Since the employment of the horse 
in many pursuits renders it necessary that an artificial protection 
be employed to preserve his feet from injurious wear, it becomes 
a consideration of the first importance to know the proper method 
of doing this without seriously interfering with or destroying the 
functions of the foot, and so as in the least to constrain its natu- 
ral gestures while employing its fullest powers. 

The effects of applying an iron defense to the horse's foot 
and securing it to the hoof with nails, are no doubt a source of 
injury to that organ, and even with the best of care a few of 
them are unavoidable; but they are increased in number and 
heightened in intensity, when the shoe is badly constructed and 
attached, whereas a right understanding of the subject will teach 
that those evils which are unavoidable may at least be greatly 
mitigated. 

There are some points on the question of shoeing notori- 
ously at issue between writers and shoers, theorists, and practi- 
tioners, so that hardly any agreement can be found to exist even 
on essential principles, and this diversity of opinion will probably 
continue until the known human artifices shall have been super- 
seded by unknown or natural agencies. 

All agree, however, that some artificial shield to the horse's 
foot is necessary, for employed as he is, his hoofs are unable to 
withstand the sever demands imposed upon them ; the wear more 
than exceeds the growth. 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 69 

Again, all unite in the belief that nothing more simple, in- 
expensive and efficient than a well-devised iron or steel shoe can 
at present be produced to meet the exigencies of the case, nor can 
the safe and ready method of attaching it by nails be displaced 
by any other means that we are acquainted with. 

Having to deal with the facts as we find them, therefore, let 
us turn to a consideration of the best means which lie in our 
power of reducing, as much as possible, the evils so frequently 
attendant upon the practice of shoeing as commonly pursued. 

Past and Present. — Bad and indifferent shoeing is pro- 
ductive of but one result — serious injury to the animals shod — 
and rendering them more or less unfit for active service. It is 
the exercise of a higher knowledge and its scientific application 
that constitute the true "art, trade and mystery" of farriery, as 
exemplified in the best practice of today; in. which science, as 
well as art and common sense, are operating to supplant the irra- 
tional, time-honored customs (which were once a portion of the 
blacksmith's creed), and are now gradually raising the science of 
horseshoeing above the baneful influences of ignorance and tradi- 
tional routine, to that position which its practical importance as 
a great national economic question justly entitles it. 

When it is thus conceded that some of the operations and 
practices of the art have been materially altered and improved 
upon, it is none the less true that the ordinary system of horse- 
shoeing, as it obtains in average hands, has not kept pace with 
the advancement noted. In too many instances it is observable 
that the art of the farrier is at variance with the workings of 
nature, and what satisfies the one outrages the demands of the 
other. The result is strikingly conspicuous in the number of 
lame, maimed, diseased or disabled horses, involving a direct loss 
of valuable property, as well as much needless suffering in the 
noblest of our dumb animals. And to misapplied shoeing, a very 



70 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

large proportion of these evils is, beyond all doubt, directly or 
indirectly traceable. 



Important to Horsemen.— The shoeing of horses is a work 
practically belonging to the smith, but as gentlemen and others 
who are owners of horses ought to know and be able to distinguish, 
at least in some degree, when it is ill or well done, it would seem 
an unnecessary precaution to recommend a matter of such per- 
sonal interest to their attention. It is really surprising to learn, 
however, how indifferent or neglectful of the well-being of their 
horses' feet and legs so many owners and drivers are. The foot 
is undoubtedly the most important part of the animal, so far as 
his ultimate usefulness is concerned. And the affair of shoeing 
is so important in its consequences, both for the preservation of 
the foot, the safety of the legs, and the ease and comfort of their 
motion that horsemen and proprietors can not be too attentive 
to practical recommendations on the subject. For it must be 
borne in mind that among horseshoers there is a great diversity 
of opinion in regard to the performance of their work as there 
possibly can be in any other trade or calling, and theoretical 
speculations upon this subject have done but little for the farrier 
or the horse. I am convinced that many of these differences would 
disappear, together with most of the ailments and afflictions to 
which horses are liable under existing conditions, if a better 
knowledge of the natural formation of the foot and of the relative 
value and office of its various parts, pervaded the great body of 
owners and trainers as a whole, than now exists. These troubles 
are caused, speaking generally, by the horse being out of balance 
on his feet, and, in justice to the much -abused horseshoer, "be it 
noted, they are quite as often due to erroneous ideas and "pet 
theories" of would-be horsemen being foisted into the workshop, 
as from any lack of ability or ingenuity on the part of the farrier. 

Tn veterinary surgery, too, as an effective remedial or cura- 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 71 

tive agent, for so many of the injuries and diseases affecting the 
health and soundness of the horse, scientific shoeing should oc- 
cupy a foremost place; yet it is a matter of deep regret that 
among this class of practitioners are many men who have neg- 
lected to properly study this most important branch of their 
profession, or, having acquired only an imperfect conception of it 
through books, are unable to direct it with necessary discretion 
to any salutary effect; or, as has so frequently come within the 
trend of my experience, altogether pervert it, to the continued 
detriment of the patient and of the business interests involved 
as well. The moral of this is obvious. No humbug use of iron, 
nor theoretical experiments with it on the one side, nor blind 
groping in the dark on the other, will ever solve the "problems 
of farriery," simple and easy as they really are, but made difficult 
operations in the hands of quacks and ignorant practitioners. 

Essential Knowledge. — To rescue the practice from such 
hands is the work of that higher knowledge to which I have al- 
ready referred, and it is the application of such general facts 
of veterinary anatomy as explain the construction and functions 
of the foot, to the practical business of shoeing that will most 
largely contribute to this end. How, otherwise, can the smith 
be expected to understand the normal size, shape and structure 
of the foot upon which he operates, or how know the correct prin- 
ciples of shoeing and balancing a horse on his feet? 

When a horse is at the shoeing forge "it is a condition, not 
a theory," that confronts the smith, and there is no longer room 
for doubt, and unless he knows, with positive certainty, just how 
to preserve or obtain the proper balances and bearings of the 
foot he is utterly incapacitated to take charge of it. Science 
and art are combined in skillful shoeing. A knowledge of the 
structure and normal functions of every part of the foot, as well 
as of the legs from the knee and hock down, though not neces- 



^2 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

sarily in their ultimate scientific minutiae, are as necessary to 
make a perfect sheer as is the mechanical skill to make a perfect 
shoe. 

Condensed Anatomy. — Fully appreciating the importance 
of these suggestions and knowing that an accumulation of detail 
often deters the average reader and thus defeats the design of 
the writer, a concise review of the general anatomy of the horse's 
foot will be introduced here, containing only the briefest hint 
of the essential organs of locomotion, which may serve as a con- 
venient reference chart to the general features of the subject 
under discussion. 

Speaking first of the external structure of the foot alone, 
the parts with which the farrier has to deal, are the wall, sole, 
bars and frog, all well enough known by name, but less familiar 
in their relations with other parts and the mode of their co- 
operation. 

The hoof is composed of horny, hair-like fibers, closely matted 
together, and forms the natural protection of the sensitive foot. 

The wall is that part of 'the hoof visible when the foot rests 
naturally on the ground, and is the main factor in bearing the 
horse's weight. 

The bars are a continuation of the wall forming the angles 
at the heel, and assist in the lateral expansion and oppose con- 
traction of the heels and quarters. 

The sole is contained within the lower margin of the wall, 
and is a concaved plate of flexible horn covering the ground sur- 
face of the foot. 

The frog forms the back part of the sole between the bars, 
and is the natural buffer of the foot for the prevention of injury 
and jar to the limb. 

The wall grows indefinitely, but the sole and frog naturally 
throw off flakes or scales when they have grown to a certain thick- 
ness and are essential in their entirety for the maintenance of 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 73 

the foot in health and its protection from injury. The hoof in- 
closes the coffin-bone, which is the terminal bone of the leg. 

To this bone are attached the principal tendons that bend 
and thrust the foot forward, and to it also grow the tough but 
tender, leafy tissues which dovetail into horny ridges on the wall ; 
these attachments being technically called the sensitive and in- 
sensitive laminae. These leafy tissues working together, carry 
the stress of weight with an elastic movement, their variation, 
under pressure and without, being found to be about one-quarter 
of an inch. The result is a wonderful elastic spring between the 
end of the leg and the external hoof, and this with the springy 
action of the coronary and frog cushions and lateral cartilages, 
acting together with the expansion of the arched bars — all being 
compressible under pressure — is the wise provision of nature to 
ward off and minimize the concussion on a horse's foot in motion. 

The Center Of Gravity. — Having reached this point, let us 
observe the going as well as the external and internal structure 
of a horse's foot. The horse then who draws presses first on the 
toe, then successively on the sides to ease the toe, then upon the 
heel, from which it immediately rises again. Trotting and run- 
ning horses press the toe relatively lighter, landing first upon the 
heel, but in either case the effort of the weight of the horses 
fixes the real point of support neither upon the heel or toe, but on 
the middle or ball of the foot — between both, where is located the 
center of gravity, which is easy to demonstrate anatomically; 
thus, the cannon-bone presses on the head of the upper pastern, 
this on the lower pastern, this again on the navicular and coffin- 
bones, the center from where it is projected upon the ground bear- 
ings of the hoof without. In a sound and healthy organization, 
the succession of rapid movements of the living animal, adducts or 
shifts the center of gravity toward and through the median line or 
center of the heads of the coffin, pastern, and fetlock- joints, in a 



f± SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

smooth, even, and equally-balanced movement, and the function of 
locomotion is performed with perfect and efficient activity. But 
let any change or irregularity, however slight or obscure, occur 
among the elements of the case, whether in the relations of co- 
operating parts, or of form, dimension and location of foot bear- 
ings, whereby certain parts of a limb are forced to accept the 
'portion of the weight which belongs to others ; in short, whatever 
tends to defeat the purpose of nature in organizing the locomo- 
tory apparatus by interfering with or misdirecting its normal 
movement will ultimately result in that loss of harmony and lack 
of balance betrayed by disabled functions and testified by lame- 
ness. 



Emphasizing the Facts.— In thus digressing it is only to 
establish certain primary facts relating to the main subject, in 
the hope of drawing attention to the necessity of every horseman 
and farrier clearly comprehending this branch of it before enter- 
ing upon its sequel — the preparation of the foot for the shoe — . 
in order to prove that without it as a foundation upon which to 
rest the whole modus operandi, and as a final resource to fall back 
upon in all oases where accurate judgment is required, there can 
be no permanently favorable results secured from any treatment 
instituted, howsoever skillful or experienced the operator may 
otherwise be. The value of appreciating this and of knowing the 
natural formation of the foot is, practically, to know when the 
foot is losing that natural form, so .that it may be sbaped and shod 
to assist nature in restoring it. How, then, shall we shoe a horse 
to preserve intact the normal conditions of the feet and legs, so 
as to afford them the necessary protection in the performance of 
their varied functions under the most exacting conditions which 
civilization can impose, enabling all to act together in perfect 
harmony and with absolute efficiency? 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 75 

Variation Of Feet.— From the natural form of the hoof we 

perceive that it descends obliquely outward, whereby it becomes 
considerably broader at its basis than at the coronet; it also de- 
clines in height toward the heel, and this change of contour, to- 
gether with the changes of growth, affects its size and the degree 
of obliquity in its various parts. Too much importance can not 
possibly be attached by the workman to this variation, for it is of 
the first importance to discriminate accurately and determine pos- 
itively the normal /and abnormal positions of the limb. It fre- 
quently becomes exceedingly difficult to do this, owing to the close 
similarity between the natural and unnatural positions existing 
in horses of different breeds, and to do it satisfactorily will often 
require the exercise of the closest scrutiny and draw upon all the 
resources of experience, sound judgment, and anatomical knowl- 
edge. Horse's feet are alike in their anatomical combination, 
but they differ in conformation, condition, and size, and what will 
suffice to level and balance one horse will have no satisfactory 
effect on others. 

The Angle Of Incidence, — But in a majority of cases the 
solution of this first problem relating to the correct fall of the 
angle of incidence may be easily obtained by carefully observing 
the outlines of the pasterns, and closely noting the motion of 
the whole extremity, and especially of the joints. Sometimes the 
overgrowth in length of toe or heel is too distinctlv evident to 
admit of error, but in every instance the shoer must not fail to 
make the foot the subject of a thorough and intelligent examina- 
tion, for upon his decision as to its natural position and the suc- 
ceeding step, namely, leveling the ground surface of the hoof 
so that its angle will conform exactly to the inclination of the 
pasterns, is where the art of farriery comes in. 

What Rule tO go by. — It would be misleading to lay down 
any arbitrary degree of obliquity, as it naturally varies more or 



76 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

less in almost every individual horse, short pastern horses stand- 
ing at a greater angle than those with long pasterns, and hind 
feet more than the fore; hence, the natural bias of the super- 
imposed structures is the only safe guide to follow. 

HOW to get On in the Work— As the slightest departure 
from exactitude here renders whatever amount of care that may 
be devoted to the completion of the work worse than useless, and 
as every one knows that accurate leveling can not be done by the 
unaided eye, mechanical means must be resorted to for the pur- 
pose, and a scientific leveler and compass should therefore form 
part of every farrier's outfit. 

Farriers' Tools. — All the world over, the simplicity and 
fewness of farrier's tools have from the beginning marked the 
slow progress of his invaluable art. The buttress, the knife, the 
clinch cutter, the hammer and the pinchers have comprised his 
"kit" of tools, and these as a general thing of rude or inferior 
construction; latterly, however, they are of better design and 
material, and more effective in use. But now, to be up with the 
spirit of the times, the shoeing smith needs more scientific tools 
for expert workmanship in leveling and adjusting the angles of 
the foot, to secure that precision and perfection imperatively de- 
manded, and to supply this long-felt want I am performing a 
duty which needs no other words of explanation in referring my 
readers to tlhe "Russell Foot Adjuster," a description of which 
is inserted here with directions and illustrations for its practical 
use, as a preliminary guide to the subject proper, and which will 
follow after in due order of place and connection. 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 77 

RUSSELL'S SCIENTIFIC FOOT ADJUSTER. 

HOW TO USE IT IN ACCU RATELY LEVELING AND BALANCING THE FOOT WHEN 
PREPARING IT FOR THE SHOE. 

This device is very 'simple and effective, consisting of a flat 
metallic rim or bed-plate, similar in form to an ordinary horse- 
shoe, to which is pivoted at the center of toe a movable quad- 
rant (the quarter of a circle), the arc of which is graduated or 
divided into 90 degrees, from the horizontal plane to the right 
angle of the segment above, and which is operated by means of 
a lever, working the sweep of the quadrant forward and back. 

A stationary indicator is also fixed perpendicularly to the 
toe of bed-plate, and this registers the angles of the foot upon 
the surface of the quadrant when the lever is brought forward 
against the wall of the hoof. The lever is also marked to a scale 
of inches and fractional parts, so that the height or depth of wall 
is obtained at the same time with its degree of obliquity. 

The Adjuster Applied. — This arrangement is best shown by 
the accompanying illustrations of the adjuster in position for use. 
See pp. 94 to 97. 

Fig. 16. H, H, upper surface of the bed plate of the ad- 
juster (with quadrant projecting in front). 

Fig, 17. Side view of foot with adjuster applied to toe. 

A, A, rim of bed-plate pressed firmly against bottom of hoof. 

B, B, lever for moving the quadrant and measuring height of 
wall. C, stationary indicator registering the angular face of the 
wall. D, arc of the quadrant inscribed with degrees as shown. 

Fig. 18. Front of foot with adjuster abreast of the quarter. 
Fig. 19. Adjuster registering the angle of quarter as seen 
from the back of foot. 

Fig. 20. Leveling-plate used with foot adjuster. 

Other Mechanical Aids. — Fig. 21. Compass for spanning 
and ascertaining the exact height of the wall at different points, 
necessary in leveling and equalizing same. 



78 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

In addition to these instruments every farrier should be pro- 
vided with a metal rule having a scale of about 6 inches, and 
also a short narrow tape line (18 to 24 inches long) ; the special 
uses of which will be made apparent in the explanations to follow. 

Method of Procedure,— Fig. 22 shows the uplifted foot in 

proper position for handling and examining it while applying 
the adjuster and testing the angles at different parts, as well as 
afterward, when viewing its levels and proving its balances. 

With the foot in this suspended position, we begin the opera- 
tion of scientifically leveling and balancing it, by starting a line 
through center of frog-cleft and carrying it forward over the 
point to center of toe at base of hoof, dividing the foot from front 
to back in two equal halves. See Fig. 23, line A, B, B. 

Mark .the point at base of toe (with chalk), then, with a tape 
line, measure the circuit of the hoof round the top border at 
coronet (just below the hair), and starting again at frog-cleft, as 
the center of operations, measure half way round the coronet 
from both inner and outer sides, and mark point of meeting at 
top of wall in front, then draw line from point at base to point 
at top, and you will have the center or median plane of foot and 
leg as shown by line H, H, in Fig. 18. 

Now, with the foot still in hand, take up the adjuster and 
press the bed-plate firmly against the bottom of the foot and turn 
the lever down until it rests upon the front toe of wall, as shown in 
Fig. 17, and observe whether or no the angle of the toe corre- 
sponds with the normal slope of the pastern, also if the wall lines 
up with the straight edge of the lever, evenly and truly from base 
to coronet. The first consideration is that the obliquity or angle 
of the toe should be the same as that of the ankle above, and the 
second is that any abnormal growth or variation in length, con- 
vexity, or concavity, should be reduced to a normal or healthy 
form, according to the principles subsequently laid down for that 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 79 

purpose; and by this process of adjustment every sheer ought to 
succeed in obtaining a clew to the solution of the first problem in 
farriery, namely, how to secure and preserve a perfect level and 
balance in the foot. 

Next, measure off about 1% or 2 inches on each side of front 
toe at base of hoof and mark same, then draw a line from each 
of these points to connect with the top of line in middle, to in- 
dicate the bearings of the inner and outer sides of toe, as shown 
in Fig. 18, lines E, E. 

After properly noting the foregoing, we may, from thence, 
the more easily reach our conclusions touching the other parts of 
the hoof to which the same proceeding applies, that is ; in the use 
of the adjuster on both inner and outer quarters, carefully ob- 
serving the angle of each and the line of "the wall that one side 
may be made uniform with the other side in height and degree 
of obliquity. 

Next, let the foot down to stand naturally on the leveling- 
plate, Eig. 20, and view it from all sides, to properly gauge and 
determine its best natural position; then, with the compass, Fig. 
21, divide the space between the line E and the heel of hoof into 
two equal parts, and mark the points at base and at coronet and 
draw a line to connect same as shown by letter F, Eig. 17. This 
is to be done on both sides of quarters, and then, in the same way 
on both sides of the heel as shown by letters A, B, Eig. 19. 

These lines are next to be accurately measured with com- 
pass from coronet to base of hoof, or to face of leveling-plate on 
which it rests, and the two opposite lines at inner and outer sides 
of toe, quarters and heels, made to compare and agree by mark- 
ing any inequality existing and paring the hoof level round the 
circuit of the wall as directed in a succeeding page and as shown 
in Eig. 23, p. 97. 

This is always to be done with reference to the normal slope 
of the pasterns and to having the front line of hoof incline on 



80 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

the same angle with them, which can he easily verified at any 
stage of the work "by the use of the adjuster, with or without the 
assistance of the leveling-plate. 

When this is done with one foot, the same method of pro- 
cedure with each of the other feet will enable the smith to bring 
them into precisely the same good form; his work will also be 
done on true scientific principles beyond the criticism of his most 
exacting patron, and must prove a boon to horseflesh generally. 

It will, of course, be observed, that the quarters are straighter 
or more upright than the toe (compare Figs. 17 and 18), and 
that the degree of obliquity varies in almost every horse, ranging 
from 45 to 56 on front toe of fore feet, and perhaps a little more 
for the hind feet. 

But the main points to be impressed here are, that the 
natural slope of the pasterns is the only safe guide to be followed 
in all cases, and that the two fore feet of the same animal should 
always be alike, and the two hind feet alike, whatever difference 
may exist between them otherwise. In this way the horse will be 
enabled to tread upon feet of the same relative form in the same 
relative way, an advantage to their working in perfect harmony 
over irregular growths and dressings that is simply beyond our 
power to estimate. 

The center line through the leg and middle of heel and toe, 
as shown in each of these figures, represents the exact axis of all 
normal leg and foot movements. The weight is precipitated in 
a direct line downward through the center of the bones and joints 
until it reaches the fetlock, where it is thrown forward on the 
angle of incidence formed by the pasterns and coffin-bone, repre- 
sented in Fig. 17 by letters G, G. In a well-balanced horse, each 
foot and each part of a foot, combine to perform an equal and 
uniform function, and to carry an even or equal portion of weight 
distributed in the natural way. But any unevenness or irregu- 
larity of the base of the hoof, which is the final point of applica- 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 81 

tion, will displace the physical balance, and a single alteration 
in the proper balancing of the body will result in a complication 
of foot disorders which may baffle the skill to remedy, and leave 
our burden-bearing servants to succumb to their inevitable fate. 
Hence the benefits to be derived from the use of these instruments 
will be apparent to all practical sheers. Instruments of similar 
intent and purpose are used by mechanics in every trade, even 
when not dealing with vital, living structures, as is the case in 
this pursuit, where any deviation from absolute accuracy causes 
suffering and unrelieved distress. 

Different Kinds Of Feet. — I have previously indicated that 
a horse's hoofs may, by variation of growth or usage, be either 
perfect or imperfect, and these last may also be rugged, long, 
crooked or flat, and the frogs may be broad or the heels narrow, 
and I have pointed out the necessity of paying due regard to 
each of these conditions in determining the natural form and 
size of the particular kind of foot being dealt with, also to the 
employment of all the farrier's care and address in bringing it 
to its best form, as there are many apparently trifling circum- 
stances which have much to do with the conditions of orderly 
soundness and efficient activity which are too often overlooked. 

The Natural Model. — If we examine the natural healthy 
feet of many horses, we will find that their essential shape is 
the same. Some may have grown more luxuriantly than others, 
it is true, whereby the crust will be deeper, or the bottom part 
may be worn and battered, giving the hoof an uneven, ragged 
appearance; but when this superfluous or broken horn has been 
removed, it will be found that the bottom of the foot is nearly 
circular, the sole concave, the frog broad, the bars distinct, the 
commissures deep and the heels expanded. Surely no one will 
dispute that this form, which the Creator has given, is the most 



82 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

perfect and far better adapted to all purposes than any that can 
be given by the most ingenious farrier. 

Rational Shoeing.— When, therefore, we undertake to get 
a horse's foot into condition, this rule may be invariably depended 
upon, that any mode of shoeing and treating the foot which has 
a tendency 'to alter the form or design of nature is highly absurd 
and destructive, while that practice which best tends to the con- 
servation of its natural uses is alone founded upon sound and 
rational principles. 

Fig. 23 shows a natural, healthy hoof properly prepared for 
the shoe, and clearly indicates the only parts which should be 
reduced when a foot is being made ready. 

Fig. 24 shows the upper surface of the same hoof with longi- 
tudinal and transverse lines, indicating the proper balance of a 
level foot and the normal center of gravity at intersecting point. 

Fundamental Principles. — It may be accepted as a guiding 
principle that in a natural healthy foot, the outside rim of the 
horny wall and that small portion of the sole immediately at- 
tached to it on. which the shoe is to rest, are the only portions 
of the foot to be interfered with in preparing the foot for the 
shoe, and, whenever possible, the necessary trimming ought to 
be effected by means of the rasp. Conditional exceptions to this 
general rule are, of course, to be fully noted in my observations 
hereafter, on shoeing different kinds of horses, and in the treat- 
ment of diseases. Natural physical conditions are alone treated 
of in this section. 

The feet must be placed upon the same plane, and in pro- 
portion to the skill displayed in this alignment, will danger of 
injury be avoided, as the smallest deviation from a perfectly level 
bearing entails disastrous consequences, not only on the foot but 
on the entire limb. 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 83 

Securing the Levels. — In the foot itself, when the weight 
is borne unevenly, the lowest part receives an undue share; the 
pressure retards the growth and free play of the parts, and the 
foot in consequence becomes weakened, distorted and deformed. 
In the limb, deflected as it is by an uneven basis, from the 
ground surface to its union with the trunk, the incidence of the 
weight is imposed unequally, and bones and tendons mutually 
suffer from the strain. 

The wall, then, must be perfectly level, that is, no more is 
to be taken from one side than from the other, and this is deter- 
mined by exact measurements with compass at opposite points 
all around the hoof, indicated by the lines in Fig. 23, from coronet 
to ground surface, and having same degree. Details are fully 
given in connection with the use of the foot adjuster, for which 
see Fig. 17. 

Maintaining the Balance.— Also the foot must be balanced, 

or, in other words, from a line drawn through the longer axis 
of the frog the measurements to opposite points should be the 
same on both sides of the hoof; this means simply that a longi- 
tudinal line through the center of the frog, must at all points be 
the center of the foot or divide it in exact halves, as in this way 
only will the force of the foot-fall be carried through the center 
of the column of bones and be equally and naturally distributed 
upon the supporting apparatus of bones and tendons and the 
weight-bearing portions of the hoof. The active principle of this 
indispensable arrangement is best illustrated in Figs. 25 and 26, 
and is explained with the use of instruments in Fig. 17. 

Preparing the Hoof. — In thus leveling and balancing the 
foot, my practice is to remove only such portions of the sole as 
nature is about to cast off, that is, those portions which are ex- 



84 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

foliating and destitute of the natural moisture and flexibility 
that exist in a healthy growth, and then to reduce the wall to a 
level with the untouched, healthy or sound sole. J aim to have 
every part of the wall, from the angle of the heels to the toe, 
receive a good, broad, equal bearing on the shoe, unless there is 
some special reason for doing otherwise. With some feet, hav- 
ing a strong healthy growth, this means a great deal of cutting 
(especially if shoes have been worn, and worn a long time) ; then, 
again, there are feet which require very little reduction, hence, 
the work must be done with constant and intelligent reference 
to the inclination of the pasterns as already prescribed. Some- 
times the hoof will grow all to toe, and again the growth at the 
heel will be more marked, or the foot, may be run over by hav- 
ing one side too high or the toe worn off excessively. To rectify 
this, and to better its adjustment, a good plan is to look at the old 
shoe to see where it has worn most and be partly guided by that. 
The point is to remove so much of the wall as would be a surplus 
growth, or so much only as will bring it back to its natural form 
and adjustment. And this after all must depend upon the judg- 
ment, expertness and ingenuity of the farrier, who should, how- 
ever, never lose sight of the fact that if the heels are allowed to 
grow too high, an excessive strain is thrown upon the bones, while 
if the toes are too long the tendons suffer in like manner. The 
sharp lower rim of the wall should be rounded off just a little 
to prevent splinters, and of course all stubs or nails should be re- 
moved. 

Opening UP the Heels. — 'The junction of the wall with the 
bars affords a firm natural bearing for the heel of the shoe, and 
is to be rasped level with the wall and so low as to be exactly even 
with the frog, but the so-called process of "opening up the heels" 
by removing the bars, is a most disastrous practice, to be strictly 
avoided. The bars are the lateral braces and binders of the foot, 
and the arch which thev form on either side admirably fits them 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 85 

to admit and limit, to a proper extent, the expansion of the foot, 
as well as to powerfully oppose any disposition there may be in the 
hoof to contract, by assisting the heels in retaining their natural 
form. 

Indefensible Practices. — 'There may be differences of opin- 
ion among authorities as to minor details in shoeing, but there 
is one practice not open to argument, and which all alike severely 
condemn, and that is the utterly senseless and atrocious custom 
so characteristic of the common every-day horseshoer of thinning 
out the sole and trimming or mutilating the frog, No man has 
ever been able to assign a reason for acting contrary to the first 
principles of his own work by destroying that which he is aiming 
to preserve, and yet this has been and is the most frequent pro- 
cedure of so-called farriers in their treatment of the frog and 
sole. They persist, with an obstinacy which sets common sense 
at defiance, in paring and hollowing out the sole even to the quick, 
and to forming an exact "fine frog," regardless of consequences, 
though these are of the most serious nature and affect the vital 
integrity of the living animal. 

Thinning OUt the Sole. — From the connection, thickness and 
flexibility of the horny sole, as well as from its arch-like external 
contour, it is wholly destined by nature to serve as a cushion to 
the sensitive sole (velvety tissue) which rests upon it. By hol- 
lowing away the sole in paring, it dries and shrinks by exposure ; 
the horse loses his natural defense against violent shocks of a 
pavement, or any kind of external violence, and thus the sensi- 
tive sole becomes easily inflamed by being bruised or wounded 
(disease called villitis). 

Trimming the Frog. — The horny frog is also designed for 
contact with the ground for the prevention of jar and injury to 
the limb, and the presence of this thick, elastic, compressible masr^ 



86 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

of horn in a healthy unmutilated condition, permitted to reach 
the ground (while the animal is moving, at least), is absolutely 
essential to the well-being of .the foot, the more especially if high 
speed is desired. The frog is nature's cushion and hoof expander 
(in connection with the bars), and to alter this state is fatal to 
its usefulness, for such act causes it to shrink, dry and harden, 
when, both as a cushion and expander it is a dead flat failure. 
The frog is also the main support to the plantar cushion, which 
in turn supports the back tendons, so that without its natural 
pressure the tendons soon become jaded, inflamed and swollen, 
and it is thus a main factor of safety in traveling or riding. 

Neither the frog nor sole ever becomes too large or thick by 
natural growth or usage, for they scale or cast off flakes as they 
pass beyond the life maintaining stage of the producing tissues, 
and a certain degree of exposure is required for their vitality and 
resiliency. In cases of existing disease, where resort to the 
drawing-knife may be required to relieve or assist the affected 
parts, I plainly treat of such in the subsequent pages; but in 
normal conditions the sole and frog should, on no pretext what- 
ever, be disturbed by the shoer. 

Weight Of the Shoe — Two things must be strenuously in- 
sisted on for the shoe ; one is, that the shoe be as light as possible, 
and the other is, that it be made or moulded on its foot-bearing 
surface to an exact counterpart of the hoof to which it is applied. 
Bearing in mind that the original and legitimate design of the 
shoe is for the preservation and. defense of the hoof from undue 
wear, we should not misconceive this purpose by attaching to our 
horses' feet any uncalled-for weight. Light shoes proportioned 
to the weight of the animal and the nature of his work, are in- 
finitely preferable to heavy ones, for these latter are a burden at 
best and a constant tax on the energies of a horse, as is meaningly 
implied by the familiar saying "that an ounce at the toe means a 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 87 

pound at the withers." It is not surprising to those conversant 
with the facts that the majority of our horses are at the decadence 
of their powers when they should be at their prime, and a prolific 
source of such disability is the habitual necessity of pounding 
along on hard roads, with overweighted, iron-clad feet, ensuing 
from the conventional mode of shoeing. 

Calculating that a horse going a fair trot lifts his feet all 
round sixty times a minute, and this with shoes weighing two 
pounds each, the reader will be able to realize how enormous the 
amount is that can be unnecessarily raised to the wear and tear 
of the living members. 

As an example, suppose a horse shod with shoes weighing 
two pounds each and traveling at such a jog as requires him to 
lift his feet all around once in a second or sixty times a minute, 
keeps up his speed for five hours, how much work does he per- 
form — that is, how much does he lift ? 

Lifting one foot sixty times a minute; for four feet, 60 X 
4 = 240. Lifting two pounds each time, in one minute he will 
lift 480 pounds, which multiplied by 60, will make in one hour 
28,800 pounds, and in five hours, 144,000 pounds, or 72 tons. 
This calculation is based upon the scientific experiments of Mons. 
Bouley, of France. 

The injury of artificial or excessive weight carried at the 
extremities of a horse's limbs is always increased as the rate of 
speed increases. But even for our heaviest draft horses it is not 
necessary to increase the concussion and battering, inseparable 
from their bulk, by an aggravation of several pounds of metal 
on each foot when an equal or greater advantage is to be found 
in shoes weighing only half as much: and one may well be ex- 
cused for wondering why horse owners do not deal with this issue 
as one of self interest. 



88 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

Form Of the Shoe. — The shoe should have a perfectly level, 
wall-bearing surface; but to mellow and soften any pressure on 
the sole which has a certain amount of descent under the exer- 
tions of progression, the plane of the shoe should be concaved or 
beveled off inwardly, as shown in Fig. 27. 

The web of the shoe should be fashioned substantially, but 
not unduly wide. Narrow-webbed shoes are eminently the best, 
as they do not obstruct the growth of the sole, nor interfere with 
its natural strength and flexibility. 

Setting the Shoe. — It is a common thing for writers to ad- 
monish that "the shoe must be fitted to the foot, and not the foot 
to the shoe," and it would seem an unnecessary caution were it 
not a fact that the average farrier only partially prepares the foot 
at first, leaving the remainder of the work to be done after he has 
fitted the shoe — to his eye. Any inequalities or deficiencies then 
in 'the shoe are either burned into the hoof or it is rasped off and 
made, somehow or other, to conform to the size and shape of the 
shoe. I need hardly add that this practice is wrong, and that the 
outcome of it is pernicious in the extreme. 

Hot and Cold Fitting. — Burning a badly or even well-ad- 
justed shoe, to a badly or well-prepared foot, is injurious, and is 
to be deprecated under the most favorable circumstances, but the 
fusing of a red-hot shoe to the foot surface, as is generally prac- 
ticed, can not be too severely condemned. Burning the sole will, 
in time, overheat, blister, and destroy the laminated and mem- 
branous structures of the foot, causing lameness or intense pain, 
and often suppuration and lesion of the living tissues. The horn 
secreting tissues of the hoof under these circumstances are im- 
paired or suspended, and when closely examined show an absence 
of the cohesive matter which unites the healthy fibers, which thus 
disintegrate and become hard, dry and brittle. The advocates of 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 89 

hot-fitting though, present many specious arguments for the fur- 
therance of the practice. It is alleged that shoes can not be fitted 
so rapidly nor so closely by any other means, and this is generally 
true, for, by burning the shoes on, an accommodation is forced 
between the hoof and the shoe, and accuracy is thus secured, but 
at the expense of the right growth and operation of the foot, and 
any one who is a practical shoer, with any knowledge of anatomy, 
knows, without being told, that "mild and careful" work in hot- 
fitting is rare among workmen, while its indiscriminate and ex- 
cessive use is a matter of every-day occurrence. Horn, being a 
non-conductor of heat, is slowing affected by it, and it is claimed 
that three minutes burning of the lower face of the sole is neces- 
sary to produce any indication of increase of temperature on its 
upper surface. This is a fallacy, as I have tested and proven 
many times, by operating upon and dissecting green specimens 
with soles of varied thicknesses, when by the application of hot 
shoes for the specified time, I found that the soles of ordinary 
depth were penetrated by the heat and the sensitive sole scorched 
and the laminal tissues burned and charred. In the living subject 
these effects would have been disastrous, and they convinced me 
(if that were necessary) that the foot of a horse is in no sense to 
be compared to an inanimate block of wood which may be carved 
or charred at man's unholy will, or to suit his capricious whims. 
And because it is a vital organ filled with life and feeling, 
the necessity which there is of thought, care and skill being ex- 
ercised in our treatment of it, is pointed out to us by the most 
indubitable evidences of nature. The economy of time and labor 
attained in the process of hot-fitting will, I am sure, never coun- 
terbalance its evil effects. While it is probably true that more 
shoes can be fitted in a given time by hot-fitting than by cold, 
that is no argument in favor of its expediency, for it follows as 
a logical sequence to be applied here, that it is the consistent busi- 



90 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

ness of tbe shoer always, to give form to the surface of the foot as 
well as to the shoe, and that the final test of skill and intelligence 
is in the best adaptation of one to the other, so that the least possi- 
ble hurt shall be done to the foot. 

Eig. 28 illustrates the correct way of fitting a shoe, with 
proper lengtth at toe and heel, with foot leveled and balanced, and 
front of wall in line with the natural inclination of the ankle from 
toe to fetlock, all as <clearly defined in the section on the use of 
the adjuster. See page 77. 

Whenever the face of front toe does not line out full and 
straight from coronet to ground surface by reason of deficient 
growth, excessive wear or paring down, the shoe should be made 
to cover out in front to the line of the natural tread, and thus sup- 
ply the deficiency of the hoof. Also, where a quick going over of 
the toe is desired, let the shoe supply the same by being rolled or 
beveled on the ground surface instead of shortening up the toe 
of the hoof, as is so frequently done. 

Adaptation Of the Shoe. — From this manner of setting, it 
may be observed that dangerous compressions will be avoided and 
the shoe rendered more secure by having it conform to the ground 
tread of the foot, and by having the nails placed in the quarters, 
three on each side (directly opposite) being sufficient. In effect, 
the more easy the shoes set upon the feet the more active the horse 
will be. So large, long, thick shoes make him heavy, unwieldy 
and hobbling. A long, wide shoe is precarious, for the longer the 
lever the greater will be the drag upon the clinches of the nails, 
and thus horses will be more apt to trip and strike them off. The 
body of the shoe being unyielding, the flexibility of the hoof 
yields to the shoe heel, and the thicker the shoe is and the more 
it covers the sole, all the more subject is that of the horse to meet 
it, thus weakening the fetlocks and heels by compressing them as 
if in a constant vise, because they have' always the same inflexible 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 91 

point of support. Hence, we learn that the shoe must be made 
uniform with the spread of the hoof, and perfectly plain or flat 
in its actual bearings, in order to adapt it to a close, even seat all 
around; not too thick or wide (varying, however, to suit the neces- 
sities of the case, for a medium-sized horse being about % inch 
thick by % inch wide), nor projecting beyond the natural circuit 
of the ground tread. After securing a perfect adaptation of the 
shoe to the foot, the two levels to fit each facing, do not spoil the 
job by going back to the anvil, as many do, and give it another 
final hammering, thus altering the foot surface of the shoe and 
causing a misfit at the last. 

Fullering and Punching. — Nail holes should be punched 

through the shoe straight, or inclining slightly outward, directly 
opposite one another (except in cases where otherwise directed), 
that all danger of cramping the foot may be avoided when the 
nails are driven. The fullering and punching should not be too 
fine, that is, too near the outside of the shoe, but suitable for 
the size of the nails, so that they may enter and fill the same, as 
then they will stand sure and endure longer. If punched coarser, 
a stronger and better hold may be taken in the wall, and the nails 
need not be driven up so high as to prick or endanger the sensi- 
tive structure. 

Concerning the Nails. — Never use inferior nails, for they 
invariably break off or bend upon slight occasions, and the shoe 
will work loose from the foot, or be quickly lost. A good nail 
should have a strong, stiff neck and shoulder, flat, thin shank, 
and sharp point, without hollowness or flaw. A low, short, thick 
hold for the nail is better both for the ease of the foot and the 
security of the shoe. Two of the most common evils in shoeing 
are using too many and too large nails, and then driving them up 
too high in the wall. The fewest and smallest nails that will in- 
sure the shoe remaining on for a reasonable length of time, is a 



y^ SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

rule that should never be departed from. For if a perfectly level 
bearing has been obtained, as ought to be the case if my directions 
are followed, only a few small nails will be required to hold the 
shoe securely in place. 

Fig. 29 shows a full-size, transverse section of a hoof, with 
shoe fitted and nails properly driven, to pass obliquely out through 
the strong, thick part of the wall, away from the cavity occupied 
by the sensitive structures of the foot. 

Driving the NailS. — As much care is required in the final 
adjustment of the shoe to set it right and fit the foot equally in 
all places, the two middle or quarter-nails should be driven first, 
with a few soft strokes of a light hammer, till they are some- 
what entered; then see that the shoe fits the outer lines of the 
hoof evenly and justly, on one side the same as on the other, and 
that the tread is square and straight. Otherwise, either one or 
both of the operations — of leveling the foot and fitting or adapt- 
ing the shoe — may be set at naught by a failure to nail the shoe 
on in its proper place. When this is done, let the rest of the nails 
be driven so that their points stand out in line; then cut them 
off and clinch them, turning the clinches down with the angle of 
the hoof and hiding them a little by filing or rasping the wall 
slightly underneath the clinches before laying them down. 

The Finished Work.— The sheer's work is now supposed to 
be completed, and he must know when to stop. He must not, 
therefore, give any "finishing touches" to the hoof by rasping 
off the outer crust of the wall, in order to make it seem round 
about the shoe. An ever-beneficent nature has provided for the 
entire wall from the coronet to the base a fine film of natural 
horny varnish — the periople — which is necessary for its protec- 
tion and perfect growth. By robbing it of this proper horny 
coating, the farrier inflicts an injury on the foot beyond the reach 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 



93 



of art to imitate or repair. Hoof dressings and other oily prepa- 
rations can not replace the loss of this natural, healthy, glossy 
layer, and their use to polish the hoof is detrimental to the growth 
or development of the horny tissues. 



SIZES OF COMMERCIAL NAILS, WITH RECOMMEN- 
DATIONS FOR THEIR VARIOUS USES. 

~No. 2, 3, For plating running horses and colts. 

4, 4^ For the track horse and roadster. 
5 For the roadster. 

6. For general business and hack horses. 

7. For omnibus and stage horses. . 

8. For light draught horses. 

9. For heavy draught horses. 

10. ] For the heavier breeds of draught horses, such as the 

11. - Norman, wearing extra heavy shoes (from 6 to 8 

12. J pounds), for which extra long nails are required. 



94 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 



95 




Fig. 19. 




Fig. 20. 




Fig. 21/ 

6-ixch compass. 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

\ 




Fig. 22. position of foot, uplifted, in 
the most convenient way for holding 
same in obtaining levels, ascertaining 
its gradations and duly proportioning 
it before shoeing. 



A, A, Wall-bearing surface leveled 
and prepared for the shoe. 

B, Cleft of frog, marking line 
through center of heels to middle of 
toe. 

C, D, C, D, Heels leveled and 
equalized from coronet to ground 
surface. 

E, E, The wall leveled and lined 
up equally from coronet to base op- 
posite the quarters. 

F, F, Coronet level from upper 
border to base at each side of heel. 

G, G, Dotted line showing how 
one side of the heel may be twisted 
out of its proper position by an un- 
equal bearing of the foot, produced 
by uneven wall (high or low on 
either side), and improper shoeing. 



Any overgrowth of hoof will displace the natural balance 
of the horse and cause him to dispose his feet in or out, or carry 
his legs forward or back in the direction of the greatest bearing 
point, while with feet leveled and balanced, as they should be, 
he will stand correctly and move with ease and comfort all the 
time. 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 



97 




Fig. 23. showing under surface of 
a perfect front foot hoof properly 
prepared for the shoe, with guide 
lines for leveling and balancing the 

FOOT. 



A, Center of frog cleft in line 
with the insertions of front and 
back tendons, and parallel to their 
straight line of movement. B, B, 
Line through longitudinal center 
of foot, dividing it into exact 
halves and indicating middle of 
heels and front toe. C, C, Line 
transversely across center of foot, 
midway through inside and out- 
side quarters. The point of inter- 
section of these lines indicates the 
normal center of gravity. D, D, 
D, D, Intersecting lines marking 
the width of inside and outside 
toes and heels. E, E, Branches 
or forks of the frog on either side 
of the median cleft. F, F, Bars 
on either side of the frog. G, G, 
Commissures or grooves between 
the bars and frog. H, H, H, H, 
Line marking height of heels from 
coronet to base. I, I, Concave 
surface of sole. J, J, J, J, Wall- 
bearing surface leveled and pre- 
pared for the shoe. 



These lines indicate the main points where the wall of the 
hoof is to be measured from the coronet to the lower rim or base, 
in order to obtain equal and exact levels around the entire cir- 
cuit. The height of any two opposite points on either side of line 
B, B, must correspond, that is, the sides of toe and heels and 
quarters must be alike to insure proper levels, and the width 
from the converging center, near point of frog, to any radiating 
point on opposite sides must be equal to secure a perfectly-bal- 
anced foot. 



98 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 24. upper surface of a perfect hoof, corresponding with the 
under surface shown in the preceding figure. 



A, Internal ridge or spur of the frog-stay dividing the fissures. 

B, B, Internal fissures, or depressions between the bars and frog, in which 
the plantar cushion finds lodgment. 

C, Internal point of fissures corresponding with external summit of the 
horny frog. 

D, D, Internal surface of the horny sole. 

E, E, External upper face of wall. 

F, F, Dotted line indicating thickness of wall. 

G, G, Transverse line across center of hoof midway through quarters. 

H, H, Longitudinal line through center of hoof marking middle of toe 
and heel. The intersection of these lines locates the normal center of gravity. 

I, I, Upper margin of the coronary band called the periople ring and 
continuing to the skin. 

J, J, Laminar leaves of horny tissue coming out from the internal face 
of the wall and extending over the bars. 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 



99 




Fig. 25. side view of a perfect fore foot and leg, standing naturally, 
after it is leveled and balanced according to directions given. 

A, A, Front or toe of hoof lined up with inclination of pastern, at an 
angle of about 50 degrees. B, B, Angle of incidence, through axis of the ter- 
minal bones, and center of foot joints, locating the normal center of equipoise 
at the base. C, C, Line of vertical descent, through axis of leg upon which 
the stress of weight and momentum pass to fetlock and pastern. D, Center 
or pivot of fetlock joint where the stress is imparted or deflected through the 
phalanges of the foot, and thrown out on the bearing surfaces of the hoof. 

L.ofC. 



100 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




A A 

Fig. 26. transverse section through quarters showing the natural 
back position of front foot standing after being prepared for the shoe 
as instructed. 



A, A, Base or spread of the hoof accurately leveled and balanced. 

B, B, Upper border of hoof showing levels at coronet. 

C, C, Cutigeral groove or cavity in which the coronary cushion rests. 

D, Interior fissure in which the plantar cushion is imbedded. 

E, External projection of summit of horny frog near center of sole. 

F, F, Vertical line oast through axis of the bony column locating the 
normal center of gravity in a balanced foot. 

G, G, Wall of hoof across the quarters, lined up on both sides, equally 
from coronet to base. 

H, H, Arch of horny sole crowning the ground surface.' 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 101 




Fig. 27. front foot shoe for general road or business purposes. 

This shoe may be regarded as a standard pattern for gen- 
eral use, and should be about % in. thick by % in. wide, to weigh 
12 ounces, varying when necessary to suit the horse to which it 
is applied. The above view shows a good flat wall-bearing sur- 
face and the inner rim concaved or beveled to avoid pressure on 
flat, soft, or weak-soled feet. For ordinary driving six nails are 
sufficient, three on each side placed opposite each other in the 
quarters as indicated. The shoe should fit the toe and heel and 
follow the circle of the wall neatly, and the ends of the branches 
are to rest strongly on the bars at each side of the heels. The 
ground-bearing surface of this shoe should ordinarily be per- 
fectly flat. 



102 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 28. natural position of a perfect fore foot on the ground, 
leveled, balanced and rightly fitted with shoe in accordance with 
the rules laid down. 

This figure shows to advantage the proportions of a symmetrical foot and 
pasterns of right size, length, and slope to give the desired strength, vigor, and 
suppleness. It will be observed that the angle of the hoof at toe and heel are 
continuous with the natural bias of the pastern, and that thus the poise of 
the leg and foot is unconstrained and perfectly adapted to sustain the weight 
and perform the functions of locomotion with ease, comfort and security. 
The shoe is adjusted to the natural-ground tread of the foot following the cir- 
cuit of toe, heel and sides, being affixed with three nails directly opposite one 
another on each side. In this way the foot lands evenly, the strain is equally 
distributed between the bones and tendons, the expansion is uniform all 
around, and all danger of foot or leg soreness is entirely avoided. 



PRACTICAL HORSES IIOELNG. 



103 




Fig. 29. full size, transverse section, through hoof near the heel, 
showing actual thickness of the various parts in a hoof of medium size. 



A, A, Thickness of wall at quarters. 

B, B, External junction of bars and sole at base of wall. 

C, C, C, C, Continuation of bars, overarching and joining themselves to 
the frog and sole. 

D, D, External bulbs of the frog forks divided by the cleft. 

E, Internal frog-stay or spur projecting into the thick part of the plantar 
cushion. 

F, F, Internal fissures divided by the frog-stay, designed to receive the 
plantar cushion. 

G, G, Internal cavities which form the seat of the wings of the coffin-bone. 
H, H, External gaps, called commissures, separating the bars and frog. 
K, K, Cutigeral groove, or cavity, in which the coronary cushion rests. 

S, S, Shoe properly applied on the level bearing provided by the under 
rim of wall, with the nails driven at right inclination to take a strong, short 
hold, and come out of the wall with the least injury to its fibers and without 
hurtfully compressing the sensitive structures of the foot. 

The marginal line surrounding the hoof shows its relative 
angles and levels with the rectangular border. 



104 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

Practical Balance of the Foot and Leg.— The principal 

points demanded in the training >and development of a perfect 
and sound horse are, for a driving horse, speed and endurance, 
and for a draught horse, strength and endurance. How can the 
utmost 'Speed or greatest strength with endurance be best at- 
tained ? These are the ends aimed at by the skillful and ex- 
perienced farrier, and after the practical experience of a lifetime 
extended beyond the allotted years of man, I am ready from 
that practical experience, and from my observation of the prac- 
tical experience of others, to give to the world what measure 
of practical knowledge has come to me in the way of the devel- 
opment of speed, or strength, with endurance, of the highest 
class in the horse. 

In the first place, it is undeniable that the whole value of a 
horse depends primarily and always upon the soundness of the 
feet and legs; and in the second place, upon the skill, compe- 
tency, and good, practical judgment of the farrier. The most 
important thing the farrier should know is that the more equal- 
ity of pressure obtained at all points of the feet and legs, at 
each footfall, the greater will be the speed, or the more effective 
the strength, with endurance, attained — and this stands to 
reason. There are three very essential points which he should 
bear in mind to attain to these desiderata. First, the farrier 
should know how to obtain accurately the natural angle of the 
foot — that is to say, he should know when to cut and where to 
stop cutting. Such a man is master of his trade. For any dam- 
age to a horse from neglect or ignorance in this particular can 
only be repaired by time, which means loss of money to the 
owner, if not lasting injury or death even to the horse. The 
proper preparation of the horse's foot for the shoe is therefore 
of paramount importance in farriery. The horse's hoof corre- 
sponds to the human finger nail, and a perfect knowledge of the 
hoof can only be obtained by dissection; and it is much more 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 105 

humane to acquire that knowledge by operating upon the dead 
subject than upon the living animal, as has frequently been done. 
Any one can attest to the pain and annoyance of having the 
finger nail cut to the quick, and yet our suffering is as naught 
to that of the horse who has undergone the same operation. 

Before proceeding to dress the hoof, observations should be 
taken from in front of as well as the rear of the horse, to ascer- 
tain whether the foot is directly underneath the leg — that is, if 
the center line of the foot is in the same vertical with the leg; 
then from either side take notice of the vertical line, and whether 
the upper and lower pasterns are on a line with the front wall 
of the foot, when the horse stands on a level floor ; that is, to see 
whether the leg tilts in or out. In either case the hoof is not 
level on the ground surface. Equalize by sight as acute as possi- 
ble the wall, and determine how much should be removed by the 
rasp and at what point or points, in order to obtain the desired 
equal bearing on a level surface; then proceed to remove the 
superfluous horn. In dressing or paring the feet, so as to obtain 
equal heights for the front feet and also for the hind feet, the 
eye can not be trusted. Guesswork must now cease ; mathematical 
accuracy is demanded. This can only be obtained by resorting 
to the use of mathematical instruments, and for this purpose the 
six-inch compass, foot and heel adjusters, have been invented and 
adopted (pp. 94 and 95). The method of procedure described 
on pages 78, 79, 80, 81, shows the use of the instruments. The 
front feet being of the same length from the top of the coronet 
to the ground tread, and shoes of exactly equal weight being used, 
the stride of the front feet will be of the same length at each 
footfall when up to speed. The correct rule for the angles of 
the front feet to be observed is, when the former stand at an 
angle of 48 degrees, the latter should be at 50 degrees, for the 
reason that the hind legs constitute the propelling powers of the 
horse. This has been mv never-failing rule. 



1^6 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

Before gx>ing into detailed description of the different con- 
formations of feet met with in our daily work, we will assume 
that every animal had perfect feet, or we will take a colt never 
shod, and go with him through life; and we will also assume 
that it is impossible to adjust a shoe to the horse's foot without 
some injury to that part of his anatomy. Now the duty of the 
farrier is to reduce that injury to a minimum, so that the shoe- 
ing will not shorten the career of the horse or reduce his value. 

The parts of the foot to be carefully observed are the wall, 
sole, frog, and the angle of obliquity of the wall at the toe, which 
varies in different animals. The breed, labor, and also the roads 
on which he works, play an important part, and each case must 
be treated in a different manner. The horse that works on the 
farm will travel sound and show no inconvenience with shoes 
that would lame him on artificial paved streets and roads; and 
again, the shoes used in our cities would not answer for the ag- 
riculturist ; the latter are too long, and are liable to be pulled off 
in the soft ground. Be that as it may, the same careful prepa- 
ration of the foot for the shoe should always be demanded. Too 
strict adherence to these rules can not be observed, to insure 
sound feet and legs. 

The angle of the wall varies in different animals ; what that 
angle should be in each instance must be determined by a lateral 
survey of the foot and leg, so as to have the strain or weight 
equally divided. If the toe is too long, the flexor tendons and 
suspensory ligaments are overtaxed. If the toe is too short and 
the heels are too high, there will be damage done to the bones 
and ligaments of the joints. As a consequence the animal will 
be deprived of that elastic, bounding, graceful footstep, which, is 
so beautiful in the colt, and results from a well-balanced foot. 
Tn removing the horn, as the wall and sole are rasped off to- 
gether, a line of demarcation will present itself about three- 
eighths to one-half an inch from the outer edge of the wall. This 
line shows where the sole abuts: it is united to the wall, and is 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 107 

of value as a guarding point, showing how much of the crust can 
be removed with safety. The dividing line will show the outer 
wall thicker at the toe than at the quarters or heels ; shorten or 
reduce it by careful manipulation of the rasp against the edge 
of the crust to an equal thickness all around with the plantar 
surface of the foot in view; then turn, and with the hoof placed 
on the knee, smooth the lower edge of the wall, to obtain the de- 
sired results. If the foot is balanced, the weight is equally dis- 
tributed on the laminated tissue. 

Each portion of the anatomical structure bears its share of 
weight and performs the functions nature intended in a rational 
manner. The external portion of the hoof is a modified con- 
tinuation of the outer or scarp skin, with similar functions to 
prevent evaporation of moisture and protect the sensitive struc- 
ture, beneath which, if too much of nature's protecting envelope 
be removed, a sensitive surface is the result. The outer wall is 
more liable to become hard, dry and brittle, and lose that elastic 
spring, where the shoe, never intended for it by nature, is at- 
tached to the foot. If the foot, as a rule, is kept properly bal- 
anced, we seldom meet with lame horses. 

The frog is composed of spongy horn placed in the center 
of the foot between the bars, beneath the column of bone, and 
when in a healthy condition is very elastic. Its office is to break 
concussion, and under no circumstances, except for a surgical 
operation, should it be touched with a knife. Too strict adher- 
ence to this rule can not be enforced. Not even the rags should 
be removed; if left alone they will do no injury and come off at 
the proper time. 

The bars are a continuation of the wall, bent at a very acute 
angle, at the heels. They form stays to the quarters and should 
be cut with judgment — that is to say, that portion which projects 
below the sole, especially on heavy draft horses working on city 
pavements. These are more liable to be afflicted with what is 



108 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

termed broken bars, similar to quarter cracks; but the latter are 
in the external portions of the hoof, although they may penetrate 
deeply into the soft tissue, often producing lameness. This sole, 
like the frog, exfoliates, and when left to nature the old horn is 
cast off at intervals as the new is strong enough to take its place. 
But when, after the foot has been shod, the squamous tissue is 
protected from wear and held in place by the protecting shoe, 
that dead portion should be removed; but do not use the knife 
too freely. The sole should be left strong as possible in perfect 
feet. 

It goes without saying that the after usefulness of a horse 
depends upon the good judgment and practical experience of the 
farrier shoeing him. It is not a question of how cheap, but how 
good ! As the old adage holds : Anything half done is not done ; 
"anything well done is twice done." 

As to shoeing speed horses, no man can intelligently shoe 
one without seeing him in harness ; and, while standing in front, 
he should watch him as he approaches and passes, and notice how 
he picks up his feet, and puts them down on the ground. If the 
horse's motion is level and smooth, his front and hind strides will 
be of the same length; if he is hitching and hopping behind, 
these strides are unequal. A skillful, practical horseshoer can 
overcome this by close observation. Again, the farrier may have 
properly balanced the feet; but the driver can undo all the good 
done by unbalancing the body in checking up the head too high. 
The fault may not be in the shoeing, but with the driver. 

To balance the foot and leg is, therefore, the first and all- 
important step, before shoeing. And the work will not be com- 
plete or well done until they are made to stand directly under- 
neath the body, as before enjoined. To neglect this is the great- 
est mistake, from which certainly may result any of the diseases 
which impair the foot and leg, and ultimately, if not at once, 
ruin the Horse. 



PRACTICAL HORSESHOEING. 109 

The next and equally important point is to make and fit the 
shoe to suit the diseased condition of the foot and leg, so that when 
the shoe is nailed to the foot the horse will stand with his feet 
and legs naturally under the body. When this is done, two- 
thirds of the victory is gained. I have never seen any disease 
of the foot and leg where there was a permanent cure effected, 
unless the foot and leg were made to stand naturally under the 
body. 

My sole object in getting out the seventh edition of my 
treatise on Scientific Horseshoeing is to give my former as well 
as other patrons the benefit of the new illustrations, showing the 
different diseases to which the feet and legs are subjected. As I 
maintain always, seventy-five percent of the foot and leg diseases 
are caused from unbalanced feet. 



110 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



CHAPTER V. 

SHOEING YOUNG HORSES. 

TO BALANCE AND REGULATE ACTION AND GAIT. 

Conditions Of Action. — Not to go too deep into the liter- 
ature of the subject, it seems that the walk, trot, and gallop have 
always been the natural gaits common to horses, influenced by 
their environments and the nature of the ground over which 
they traveled. On the other hand, the ingenuity of man has 
evolved various breeds and given them different phases of ac- 
tion, in order that certain demands not naturally existing, but 
arising in a later day civilization, might be filled. This shows 
that the quality or characteristic of action is, in a measure, ar- 
tificial, because as soon as the natural necessity for any specified 
gait ceases to exist, the gait ceases with it, unless training by 
man is substituted for the original demand. At the present day, 
therefore, we notice that all breeds of horses are distinguished 
by some special method of action, which is an essential factor in 
determining the intrinsic and fancy value of any of their repre- 
sentatives. The trotter that can not trot, or the hackney that can 
not lift his knees and hocks, is generally an unsalable commodity. 
It would serve no special purpose to go more fully into the de- 
tails of this section. What I am most anxious to show is that 
the natural conditions of the ground over which horses must 
travel should regulate their gaits, and that for any given method 
of progression the proper style of shoes must be adapted and ap- 
plied with a nice intelligence, so that the exercise of their legs 
and feet may be fully sustained without violent waste of effort. 
In animated beings, soundness of parts and liberty of movement 



SHOEING YOUNG HORSES. Ill 

constitute the perfection of existence; hence it becomes a para- 
mount duty that the training and gaiting of horses be primarily 
conducted within this scope, a prerequisite of which is the ob- 
servance of certain rational details appertaining to the affairs 
of shoeing which all horsemen should understand. 

Care Bestowed In ColthOOd — While attention is being con- 
tinually drawn to the foot of the horse after it is shod, few refer- 
ences are made to the hoof of the shoeless colt, The latter is, 
by some peculiar oversight, left to take care of itself, as if it 
required no preparation whatever in the early stages of its exist- 
ence. Consequently the limbs and action pi many young colts 
are impaired from neglect of proper supervision of the most im- 
portant of all his aids to locomotion — his hoofs. I have visited 
many breeding establishments of racing stock, where the last con- 
sideration of the proprietors appeared to be the importance of 
supplying conditions under which the feet of their youngsters 
could have every chance of proper development. Many times 
there may be seen promising two- or three-year olds with ragged, 
uneven feet, growing into all shapes but the right one, when the 
most simple early attention would avert disease or deformity. 
If the bearing surface of the young animal's foot is uneven, it 
will most surely result in weakness of the limb or visible de- 
formity when he arrives at maturity. Defective hoofs are of 
as serious a nature in the immature colt as in the full-grown or 
aged horse, and as much to be counteracted as in the horse reg- 
ularly shod by the expert shoeing smith, and neglect may bring 
regret at a later day; for, in the case of the former, permanent 
injury is the result of inattention. He may grow in or out at 
the toes, either calf-kneed, bent kneed, or knock-kneed, just as 
the bearing surface of the hoof maintains its relations to the 
joints, ligaments and tendons of the limb of which it is the base. 

First Trial Of Shoes. — The horse's hoof is after all a good 



112 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

deal of what we make it, and if our horses from colthood up had 
their feet more carefully attended to, the period of their active 
usefulness would be greatly extended, and in every way they 
would be found better suited for the work required of them. I 
am in a position to know some of the main causes that are re- 
sponsible for imperfections of gait and action in horses, and one 
of the foremost among them is the first shoes that are put upon a 
youngster. To shoe a colt for the first time and shoe him scien- 
tifically, put a very light shoe on him, and every shoe the same 
weight front and hind, then you have your horse balanced per- 
fectly, as nature made him, and if pure gaited he can always be 
shod so. Afterward, if he betrays a lack of balance, faulty ac- 
tion, or an uneven gait, a driver of keen observation can cer- 
tainly discover the imperfections and apply the proper correct- 
ives. To force a change in his way of going must be at the ex- 
pense of the joints and tendons. For if the articulation is such 
that the limb is forced to go in a wrong direction, any irregular 
or increased weighting of the foot to force it to go in a different 
direction will undoubtedly result in serious trouble. A broken 
gait and unbalanced movement comes from some evident cause. 
Remove that cause and the ill effects quickly disappear, and the 
animal becomes comfortable in his action, with the result of 
an increased desire, as also increased capacity to speed faster, 
and in such a smooth, rhythmical way that it becomes a real 
pleasure to the noble animal. 

Modifications Of Action. — In the course of my long experi- 
ence as a shoer, I have necessarily had a great deal to do by 
adaptation of shoes to the balancing and truing of irregular and 
mixed gaited horses, representing every type and condition of 
foot soundness and soreness. I have thus come in contact with 
many horses where the cause of such disordered action seemed 
obscure, or where the true seat of trouble had its origin or loca- 
tion elsewhere, while apparently leaving its mark or making its 



SHOEING YOUNG HORSES. 113 

sign at the extremities of the limbs. It is proper to suggest, 
therefore, that, when beginning examinations at these points and 
failing to identify the trouble, you should not suspend investiga- 
tions without subjecting other regions of the limbs and trunk to 
a close scrutiny, until the real cause of the ailment is discovered 
and you have satisfactorily remedied it before permanent injury 
ensues from neglect or inadvertence. It may be that the horse 
is not well-balanced in physical build. If the shoulders are very 
straight the feet will not be properly flexed, nor will they if the 
pasterns are short and upright. The horse may have long legs 
and a short reach underneath, or he may have loug, sloping or 
weak pasterns and be unnaturally close coupled iu the back, or 
exceptionally open-angled from hip to hock. Also he may be long 
in his sweeps behind or he may carry his head too high or too 
low for a proper balance on his limbs, and any one of these so- 
called structural defects — by insufficiency or misdirection of pur- 
pose — may give rise to a derangement in the movement of exten- 
sion or flexion, to take effect in action or gait, or may lead to in- 
jury of the feet or limbs, as I will amplify in xhe section on 
"Faults of Conformation." 

Care Of Horses' Mouths. — Illustrations in point of prob- 
able or remote causes assisting to disturb the action and break 
the gait of horses — which shoeing will avail nothing whatever 
toward remedying — may be found in the horse's mouth. 

This is one of the most sensitive organs of the equine econ- 
omy. All young horses on coming three or four years old should 
have their mouths and teeth carefully examined when any symp- 
toms of tenderness or irritation are shown, as it is at this age 
that some of the deciduous molars are replaced by the permanent 
teeth. In some cases this gives rise to much pain and annoyance 
to horses, affecting their temper and sensibility. Again, in some 
horses, the structure of the teeth is of a comparatively soft na- 
ture, and wears upon the grinding substances in a ragged and un- 



114 SCIENTIFIC HOESESHOEING. 

even manner, which severely cuts and lacerates the tongue and 
cheeks, or, by a driver repeatedly lugging on one rein or the other, 
hard, sharp, spur-like points are formed or irregularly grown on 
the borders of the teeth, which become an exciting cause of in- 
jury to the gums and membranes of the mouth, impairing the 
natural processes of mastication and contributing at the same 
time to a bad way of going; also, the animal may suffer from 
toothache, due to a displaced crown of a temporary molar, or 
from ulceration, which will cause it to champ fretfully upon the 
bit iand lurch to one side in such a sudden manner that he "looses 
his feet," by becoming bad in his action and tangled in his gait. 
If a horse pulls his head and neck out of line with the median 
plane of his body the hind limb on that side is correspondingly 
misdirected, and his foot is forced to land between the front ones 
instead of in line with them; this cross-firing naturally impairs 
the steadiness of his gait and injuries are liable to occur from it. 
If a humane treatment of the teeth is pursued by people who own 
horses they will obviate these changes of locomotion, and at the 
same time be amply repaid by the improved appearances of their 
animals through proper mastication of their food and in their 
general order of movement. 

Handling Young Horses. — In gaiting young horses, much 

lies in the understanding how to equip and handle them. A 
driver or trainer can make or unmake the "thoroughbred close 
up," as he is wise to see that which is good, proves it worth, and 
holds fast to much that is tried, until it grows from the stage of 
experiment to law of permanent action. A horse may have plenty 
of spirit and yet be free from the undesirable habits of shying, 
breaking his gait and losing his balance, if the reins are made 
to deliver their right message. You might take a good horse. 
properly shod, and handle him like some cranky drivers do. and 
you could never judge just how a horse would best handle him- 



SHOEING YOUNG HORSES. 115 

self. The horse that is least governed is the best governed, when 
you want to get at the point of how light or how heavy his shoes 
should be to get the best speed and style of action. Trotters are 
changed to pacers and pacers are changed to trotters simply by 
an adaptation of shoes to the animal's way of going, and instances 
are on record of horses trotting in one race and pacing in an- 
other, the change being effected simply by shoeing. It is true 
that this can not always be effected, for some families pace nait- 
urally, and again it is nearly impossible to make a pure square 
line trotter into a pacer, but some have naturally an interchange- 
able gait, and if the possibilities of scientific shoeing were more 
thoroughly understood, we would see less crooked-legged, knee- 
padded, tendon-booted horses led out to display their forced 
speed, and its utilities would make their own demonstration in 
every department of horse enterprise. . 

Determining the Gait. — You can not have stained tendons, 
swelled joints, and irregular-gaited horses if the feet are trued 
and balanced and the shoe properly adjusted to carry out the bal- 
ance. Do this, and their action will be true and their gait 
equably sustained all the time. 

In developing a horse's gait and speed, shoeing is a matter 
of the utmost importance, and one which requires the greatest 
study and care. It is, in fact, half the battle. Careful, patient 
experimentation, extending over many days, or even weeks, may 
be necessary to ascertain these points. Not until they have been 
ascertained and safely met in the colt ready for "trial of speed," 
or for the adjustment of any settled gait. For a green colt, no 
matter how pure gaited he may be, is almost certain to cut his 
shins or his knees by striking them with his feet when he begins 
to travel at a high rate of speed. The skillful horseman will 
carefully study all these varying points. The shoeing will largely 
depend upon the individual necessities of the animal and other 
similar conditions. 



116 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

Regulating the Gait. — With a view to correcting and bal- 
ancing with proper shoes and weights any faults he may have, 
carefully note every point in the action of a young horse while 
giving him a little preliminary driving. If the action is dispro- 
portionate, or the propelling power of the hind limbs excessive 
and their stride longer or more rapid than that of the front ones, 
their movements can be regulated and equalized in this way. 
The feet must first be leveled and balanced in the manner pro- 
vided for when shoeing the perfect foot. (Fig. 23.) Very light 
shoes are then to be put on all round. For the front feet, use the 
pattern of scoop-toe shoe seen in Fig. 121, as this will quicken 
their revolution. Then, by using the shoe (Fig. 139) for the 
hind feet, having the ends of the branches calked lengthwise and 
turned outward beyond the heel % inch or more, the flexion and 
extension of these limbs will be retarded to a degree that will 
accommodate them to the difference in movement of the front 
limbs. 

In all such instances, however, the weight of the shoes must 
be adapted to suit the style of action, some horses requiring more 
and some less weight, to fulfill the purpose in view. In cases 
where light shoes fail, or where the horse has a low, swift gait 
behind and does not use his hocks sufficiently, it is necessary to 
shoe heavier behind than in front — the hind shoes to weigh, say 
from 4 to 5 ounces more — because the greater weight on the hind 
feet will cause him to use his hocks and muscles more in picking 
up his feet ; and this will naturally tend to slow the action behind 
and thus allow time sufficient for the front feet to get out of the 
way. 

If ithe action is naturally well-balanced, the shoes should, of 
course, be of the same weight all round. 

Balancing the Action. — It is sometimes a matter of great 
difficulty to balance and square the action of horses, especially 
trotters. The requirements are so many and varied that various 



SHOEING YOUNG HORSES. 117 

expedients must be resorted to in securing the benefits of scientific 
shoeing. 

Some horses are long, low striders, and others high, short 
steppers. Some require heavy and some light shoes, and every 
style of open, bar, flat, concave, rolling, and weighted shoes, with 
different lengths of toes and heels, are necessary, amongst the 
rest, for times and occasions, to regulate and balance the action 
of different horses; and much of the success that should attend 
the acquirement of a pure gait, or the correction of a faulty one, 
depends upon the discretion exercised in the selection of the right 
kind of shoe. 

When the action of a horse is short, high, and quick, or 
"choppy," in front, it will generally be found that the toe of 
the foot is too short and the heels too high, or that the pasterns 
and shoulders are upright. This can be remedied in effect by low- 
ering the heels as much as possible, which will bring the foot 
more to the ground. In case the front part of the hoof has been 
rasped or pared too short, the shoe should be extended over and 
beyond the toe, and thus acquire a proper extent of ground sur- 
face. The weight of the shoe must be determined by the driver 
or owner as to what is best adapted for the horse to carry with 
ease and safety. 

When the action in front is long and low and stiff-kneed, 
put the foot in shape as for the perfect foot (Fig. 23), and use 
the scoop-toe rolling-motion shoe shown in Figs'. 121 and 134, 
which will shorten the stride by lessening the extent of the ground 
tread, and at the same time effect an increase of knee action. 
A still more efficient aid in these respects will be found in the 
use of the plain rolling-motion shoe (Fig. 125), for in propor- 
tion to the increase of the roll in the shoe, so will be the increase 
of the action in the knee. The roll heightens and hastens the 
action, imparting, as it were, a "down-hill" impulse to the step. 

A common cause of bad action in speed horses is tenderness 



118 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

or soreness in the feet, resulting from improper shoeing. To 
shape and properly adjust a shoe to meet the varying require- 
ments of a horse's foot, is an art that is not as thoroughly under- 
stood as it should be (as I have elsewhere shown), and there are 
s'till many primitive methods associated with the professional 
practice. No man is fit to shoe a horse unless he can balance 
and level a foot scientifically so as to preserve or restore the 
natural bearings of the joints and hoof, which is, after all, the 
main thing necessary, and the quantity of skill displayed in this 
respect constitutes the real difference between the skilled and 
unskilled workman. An ill-fitting shoe is as inconvenient and 
painful to a horse as a tight boot it to its owner, and the com- 
parison more than justifies itself when it is borne in mind that 
the horse's shoe becomes a fixture not to be discarded at will, 
whence follow impaired action, distorted hoofs, corn bruises, in- 
flammations, etc. A foot thus shod may be tortured by the cramp- 
ing of nails around the toe or be "underpunched" and driven 
upon the sensitive parts; or by scooping out the sole and then 
shoeing with too light, thin plates, causing what is known as 
"foot scald." Other penalties are inflicted by burning, causing 
the hoof to become hard and dry; and in destroying the right 
angle of the foot by having high heels and short toes, or vice versa. 
A horse with a low gliding action behind can only move efficiently 
with light-weight shoes, as the labor in such cases devolves mostly 
on the muscles of the thigh — the hock not opening wide, and 
much weight on the foot soon becomes fatiguing. The shoes for 
the hind feet should therefore be light as can be safely worn, and 
be well concaved on the ground surface, without heel-calks, as 
shown by Fig. 149. 

The Useful Gait. — It only remains to be added in this con- 
nection, that it will pay horsemen to cultivate that most use- 
ful gait for any horse — however restricted it may appear — 
namely, a good walk. The steady, good, four-miles- an-hour walk 



SHOEING YOUNG HORSES. 119 

is the gait 'that "gets there" with the most regularity and with the 
least amount of wear and tear of team and vehicle every time. 
The team that walks steadily and well, without being required 
to mar the walk by trotting over part of the road, generally 
reaches its destination before the one that divides the distance 
into periods of brisk trots and very slow walks. To improve the 
walk of a team, it should be taught to work persistently at that 
pace, without alternating the performance by any other style of 
going, for the time being, for that would spoil the salutary effects 
of the lesson. 



120 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



CHAPTER VI. 

SPECIAL AND GENERAL SHOEING. 

DEALING WITH DIFFERENT KINDS OF FEET. 

That there is a wide margin of difference in respect to the 
conformation and proportions which characterize the feet of dif- 
ferent kinds of horses, or horses reserved for particular uses, 
is too constant and well established a fact to require formal as- 
sertion here; and that it is to the practical difficulties of adjust- 
ing suitable shoes to meet these varied requirements that most of 
the failures of farriers is due, can not for a moment be denied. 
There is always a choice of modes and instrumentalities avail- 
able to the farrier, a question of preference as to this or that 
alternative in shoeing, and it often involves a considerable amount 
of practical ingenuity and good judgment to decide on a proced- 
ure that will insure good final results. 

This, indeed, constitutes the most difficult part of the art 
of shoeing, for it is plainly evident that all feet, differing as they 
do in conditions and uses, can not be alike operated upon, nor 
can one kind of shoe be supposed to answer the purposes of all. 
The safety, speed and endurance of a horse greatly depend upon 
the adaptation of his shoeing to the nature of the work he has 
to perform, and at all times a careful application of it to the 
state of his foot. 

In general terms this represents a comparison applicable to 
the science of horseshoeing in its best state, that, in its degree, 
it demands as much expertness, knowledge and attention to de- 



SPECIAL AlS'B GENERAL SHOEING. 121 

tails, as is required in 'the construction of a delicate musical in- 
strument that it may keep in tune and harmonious action. 

The mode of dealing with, each foot, therefore, should be 
influenced both by its condition and the kind of service for which 
the horse is designed. A want of attention in this respect, or a 
disregard of the consequences entailed by such neglect, is largely 
responsible for the disasters that wait on misapplied shoeing — not 
only marring the utility of shoeing to all intents and purposes, 
but rendering it a menace instead of a protection. 

Without being an alarmist, and not presuming to claim a 
monopoly of advantages in criticizing the objectionable features 
most noticeable in the common run of horseshoers' work, I again 
refer to my observations in Chapter IV on the importance of 
settling and balancing the foot on the normal center of equil- 
ibrium, which it must be understood inclines, and is fixed or 
altered according to the natural or unnatural growth of the hoof ; 
then, in the right adaptation of the shoe to maintain and carry 
out this balance. Reiterating these primary facts, all the more 
from the frequency of the instances where they are wholly dis- 
regarded (there being one good intelligent shoer, it is safe to say, 
where there are ten others ruining horses right along), and to the 
further fact that they are at the very beginning of all inquiries 
relating to the proper shoeing of horses of any and every kind, 
as well as to the cause and treatment of many foot ailments, 
hereafter my references and comparisons in dealing with the 
other portions of my subject may be considered as constantly ap- 
plying to, or as being based on, the general matters of shoeing 
advanced in the chapter just mentioned. 

The Running or Galloping Horse. — The running horse oc- 
cupies a legitimate position at the head of field racing. As- 
pirants for distinction in this class must have physical merit to 
make prominent those qualities which alone prove most accept- 



122 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 30. 



RACING PLATE FOR RUNNING OR 
GALLOPING HORSES. 



able on the track — vital- 
ity, strength., speed, and 
endnrance. The running 
horse concentrates the full 
power of a perfect animal 
organism in his terrific 
bursts of speed, and is 
rewarded according to his 
deserts. Considering the 
immense length of stride, 
or the distance covered 
with each forward move- 
ment or jump in the act 
of galloping, when each front and hind pair of bipeds are ex- 
tended to their utmost in rapid succession to receive, sustain and 
transfer the weight of the body, as well as the burden of the rider, 
it will be readily appreciated that the result of these efforts 
(sometimes prolonged in hard contests) must prove a severe test 
of the structural makeup of any horse, and that in the eliminating 
process where exceptional speed marks the "survival of the fittest," 
a large proportion of all running and racing horses soon cease to 
be available for speed or any other profitable purpose. From the 
violence of their exertions they are liable to sprains of tendons 
and ligaments, and a sprained leg must always remain a weak 
leg. 

The great sprain producing or "breaking down" pace is the 
gallop, but (as this injury more nearly concerns the limbs above 
the fetlock) as a rule, running horses have much better feet than 
trotters. This is due to (the softer tracks over which they course, 
and to the consistent use of light thin shoes, so that the frog im- 
pinges the ground with such a firm tread as to overcome any in- 
terposition to the expansive capacity of the foot while in action. 



SPECIAL iVND GENERAL SHOEING. 123 

we must, for the most part, ascribe that better condition observ- 
able in the feet of running horses. 

To preserve them in this way, despite their hard manner of 
going, it necessarily requires judicious care and the barring out 
of most of the objectionable features to be found in shoeing. 
When properly applied according to their natural requirements, 
the training shoes of running horses are quite light, placed on 
with only a few small nails, not to unnecessarily crowd, split, or 
weaken the wall ; then, before racing these training shoes are re- 
moved, the feet accurately leveled and balanced like the form in 
Fig. 23, and racing plates substituted. The latter are a light, 
narrow rim, about 3-16 in. thick by % in. wide, weighing, say, 
1V> to 2V2 ounces, though this must be proportioned to suit the 
conditions of going, gait, balance, etc. These plates should be 
well concaved on the ground surface, with a fine edge all round, 
to catch the first impulse of the spring at the toe without slipping, 
and be adjusted to the precise line of the hoof, just covering the 
wall-bearing to insure perfect action without compressing or 
touching on any other part. The nails should have thin, narrow 
blades and sharp points, and be driven around the sides and 
heels even to the extreme ends of the branches of the shoe, as 
shown in Fig. 30 ; to point out through the thick lower margin 
of the wall, and thus secure a solid, permanent hold, as shown in 
Fig. 29. 

In this way, the task (worthy of the most intelligent farrier) 
to combine the right and useful utilities of the work will be in- 
sured, to the desirable end that "violence during loeomotion, r 
which constitutes the serious and irreparable accident termed 
"''breaking down," will, at least, be restrained in so far as shoe- 
ing can effect it. 

The Trotting Horse. — The trotting horse must be considered 
in the light of a pattern road horse — generally useful in form, 
gait and docility, to meet any demand — combining the ambition 



124 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



of a gentleman's driver and the reliability of a lady's phaeton 
horse. The influence of the trotting-bred animal is favorably 
seen in its effects upon the general character of our roadster 
stock, which it has greatly improved for all practical purposes 
and enhanced in all desirable respects. In other lines his public 
performances on the turf have given the trotting horse a promi- 
nence unequaled as to his excellence, and he is everywhere fan- 
cied as the favorite among speed horses. In this respect the 
distinctive trotter is an example of modern evolution; as will 
be seen by a reference to the following table, which gives a list 
of the standard, record-taking performers, in and subsequent to 
the year 1806, froan which date the development of the trotting 
classes are credited. 
CHAMPIONS OF THE FAST-CLASS REGULATION MILE-TRACKS. 



Name. 



Q 


« 




■< 


K 


w 


M 


>* 


2.59 


1874 


2.48% 


1875 


8.11 


1876 


2.31 


1878 


2.28 


1378 


2.26 


1879 


2.23 


1880 


2.28 


1880 


2.27 


1881 


2.24% 


1881 


2.17% 
2.19% 


1884 


1884 


2 19 


1885 


2.17% 


1889 


2.18% 


1891 


2.1914 


1892 


2.17 


1894 


2.18% 


1903 | 
1 



Name 



1806 
1810 
1829 
1834 
1839 
1844 
1844 
1849 
1849 
1849 
1855 
1859 
1867 
1867 
1868 
1869 
1871 
1872 



Yankee 

Boston Horse 

Topgallant, 3 miles 

Edwin Forrest 

Drover 

Lady Suffolk 

Unknown 

Pelham, converted pacer 

Highland Maid 

Flora Temple 

Pocahontas, pacing to wagon 

Flora Temple 

Dexter 

Dexter 

Lady Thomas 

American Girl, 31 oz. shoes .. 

Goldsmith Maid 

Lucy 



Goldsmith Maid 

Lula 

Smuggler 

Rarus 

Hopeful 

St. Julien 

MVudeS n } Sameaate ' 

MaudS 

MaudS 

Jay Eye See 

MaudS 

MaudS 

Guy 

Sunol 

Nancy Hanks 

Alix (against time) 

|Lou Dillon 



2 14 

2.15% 

2,16% 

2.13% 

2.14% 

2.12% 

2.11% 

2.11% 

2.10% 

2.10% 

2.10 

2.09% 

2.08% 

2.10% 

2.08% 

2.04 

2.03% 

2.00 



This gradual development of the trotting horse to his pres- 
ent state of excellence, and the still greater excellence to which 
farther development in the future will certainly elevate him, can 
not fail to improve all kinds of light harness horses in general 
The trotter will train on and breed on. People who are 



use. 



not horsemen, in 'the strict acceptance of the word, but who, 



SPECIAL AND GENERAL SHOEING. 125 

nevertheless, enjoy a ride behind a good horse, will become more 
and more impressed with the fact that it costs no more to keep 
a good horse than a poor one, and that in horses, as in everything 
else, the best is the cheapest. The demand for good horses will 
therefore increase, and as the general horsekeeping public become 
more and more learned in the knowledge of what a good horse 
really is, they will take nothing else. 

In the evolution of the trotting horse the most vital and 
imperative points commanding the attention of horsemen and 
farriers have been the acquirement of constantly improved 
methods and skill applying to the intelligent supervision of his 
feet and legs, the most important pants of the animal's structure, 
upon the soundness of which its capacity for speed and power 
of endurance greatly depend. I have already referred (in the 
chapter on "Shoeing Young Horses") to the many perplexities 
to be encountered in the progress of shoeing trotting horses, owing 
to the variety and velocity of movement, and because each single 
front leg is required to alternate at certain successive moments 
in bearing all of the weight and impetus of moving, instead of 
sharing it with its counterpart, as in the act of standing or run- 
ning, in all of which there is always an increase of the difficulties 
of shoeing. 

The weight and sftyle of shoe are, therefore, to be regarded 
with the utmost nicety of judgment, and such matters must be 
thoroughly understood in adapting the shoe to its proper intent. 
It is necessary for the shoe to be well adjusted to a close, strong 
bearing upon the wall, and that it be sufficiently wide to sustain 
the usage required without bending or twisting, nor yet to touch 
or bear against the sole. The shoe should therefore be beveled off 
inside of the wall-bearing, and fitted to the hoof to the best ad- 
vantage uniformly around all parts, with a firm seat toward the 
heels ; and. in all other respects let it be made and fitted like the 
shoe for the perfect foot, Tigs. 27 and 28. By having the ends of 
shoes beveled off on the same angle as the heels of the hoof, the 



126 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

force of landing will pass through the ball of the foot on the right 
axis of the leg, without injury to the back tendons. Three nails 
on each side of shoe opposite each other will allow the foot to 
expand equally on both quarters and thus avoid the danger of 
foot and leg soreness. It should be borne in mind that pressure 
from the shoe must be kept off around the front part of the foot 
to prevent toe soreness, as the hoof grows more at the toe than 
at the quarters. 

Some horses may require scoop-toe shoes, or shoes concaved 
on the ground surface, and others, small heel calks ; but these 
points, together with weight of shoes, etc., must be adjusted to 
suit the stride and gait of the horse. When starting trotting 
horses in their spring work after a long winter's rest, it is advis- 
able in some cases to have their front shoes weigh four or five 
ounces more than the shoes worn in the fall races, as these heavier 
shoes will assist them in getting up more quickly to their stride. 
Reset the shoes every ten or fifteen days, so that the foot may be 
kept level and balanced, and alt all times fit the shoes snug around 
the hoof to avoid striking them off by an overreach. 

Another point worthy of note in this connection is, that by 
watching the action of a trotting horse and attentively listening 
to the sound of each footfall, the rhythm of his movement may 
be observed and any irregularity detected. Thus, if the action 
is balanced the succession of steps will fall in regular 1-2-3-4: 
time, but if any irregular interval occurs — either slower or faster 
— there is a difference in the length of stride. Where there is 
a long interval, the stride of the slow-moving limb is longer 
than its fellows ; and where there is a short interval, the stride 
of the quick-moving limb is shorter than the others. These ir- 
regularities may be due to some inequality of the foot — a high 
heel or short toe will cause an unbalanced gait or an unequal 
stride. A foot shorter on the ground surface — that is, with 
short toes — is shorter in stride and quicker in its fall than the 
others. If the front feet are upon the same angle, same height 



SPECIAL AKD GENERAL SHOEING. 127 

of wall from coronet to base, same length of ground tread from 
heel to toe, and carry the same weight and style of shoes, their 
action and stride should be the same; and 'this rule applies also 
to the hind feet. 

To supply any insufficiency in ground tread of hoof, the 
shoe should be made to project over the toe enough to line up 
with the correct angle of hoof and pastern, as explained and 
shown in Chap. IV, in Figs. 16 to 29. 

The Pacing Horse. — Having shown in the preceding chap- 
ter that the necessity for action of a certain kind has in some 
cases been the cause of breed evolution, and in others breed evo- 
lution has necessitated the development of action of an entirely 
different character, I come now to speak of one of these artificial 
gaits as displayed by the pacing-bred animal. The pacing horse 
shows his ability to successfully compote with other distinctive 
"speed horses" in their own sphere, but he will not compare 
side by side in popular favor with the trotter as a road horse. 
The action is a succession of changes from one side biped to the 
other, resulting in the active swaying and balancing of the body 
with a sidelong shifting movement, developing in the best types 
great reach of stride at speed in an easy frictionless manner, 
with much force and power of action. 

For horses of this kind use as light and thin shoes as will 
suffice for the protection of the hoofs from concussion in swift 
movements, but no more ; they should be concaved on the ground 
surface to make landing secure without spreading or sliding; 
and for the same purpose the hind shoes may have low-heel calks, 
Figs. 140 or 149. In all other points observe the order of pro- 
cedure in leveling the foot, adjusting and nailing the shoes, ac- 
cording to conditions noted in connection with perfect feet, Chap. 
IV., Figs. 23 and 27. 

The Racking Horse. — Another acquired gait is called the 



128 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 31. English seated shoe for 
racking or saddle horses and for 
general driving purposes on horses 
having good stong arched feet. 



rack, which is especially 
adapted for saddle horses, 
being a rapid, attractive 
style, graceful and pleasant 
for a rider — though, as horse- 
men know, exacting on the 
stamina of a horse. The 
gait is performed by the ac- 
tion of each lateral biped in 
rotation. The revolution of 
the front feet exhibit a high 
knee action, full of meittle, 
with a hard, almost perpen- 
dicular descent; in conse- 
quence of which there is an 
aptitude in horses of this 
class to overreach and thus strike off the front shoes by the for- 
ward thrust of the hind feet. 

The objects to be looked to in shoeing the racking horse 
are to provide a secure footing and avoid unnecessary concussion 
or the mischance of picking up stones. The shoes for the front 
feet should therefore be of a light concaved pattern, such as the 
English seated, shoe shown in Fig. 31 ; or in case of overreach use 
the scoop-toe rolling motion shoe, Fig. 121, as this will quicken 
the action of the front limbs; and for still quicker movement 
over the toe, use a plain roller-motion shoe, such as Fig. 125. 
For the hind feet the addition of heel-calks to shoes, as shown 
in Fig. 140, will give a more effective footing by sinking deeper 
into the ground. In all cases, however, the feet should be kept 
strong in all parts, and rthe shoes fitted accurately to a firm po- 
sition on the wall, as for the perfect foot, Fig. 28. 



The General Purpose Horse.— This class of horses may 

be held to include numerous miscellaneous representatives of all 



SPECIAL AND GENERAL SHOEING. 129 

classes in all sorts and conditions of life; from the sleek, well- 
groomed, and handsomely appointed, light-stepping roadster of 
the successful professional or business man, to the "general utility" 
animals of the coach, omnibus and livery lines, as well as the 
workaday horses of the common carriers, and the sedate looking, 
steady going, well known family carriage horse. 

Thus classified, or grouped, there is enough diversity in 
size, style and general character of performance to apparently 
tax the ingenuity of the shoeing smith; yet there is nothing for- 
midable in this array after all, and all may be treated with great 
ease and simplicity, though with that regard and attention which 
each may seem to demand. The same process of shoeing as apper- 
tains to my formula for the perfect foot, and the same shoe as 
shown in that connection (Fig. 27) applies here, and may be fol- 
lowed with general success (throughout, as this shoe will prove 
most serviceable for all horses going at a "jog trot," especially 
for summer wear on the front feet. I would not recommend the 
promiscuous use of calks on shoes, for where such cramps seem 
of use to the support of a horse by the impression they make in 
the surface, it will be seen from my method of shoeing race horses 
where the frog comes to the ground, notwithstanding the course 
they run over is often slippery and they are up to their speed, 
yet they seldom fall ; and this style of even, plain shoeing, would 
seem to be well calculated to answer for the same purposes gen- 
erally. Still, when toe and heel calks are required, it is well to 
state that the toe calks should be of good length, set slightly back 
from the front rim of the shoe, as this will assist the easy going 
over at that point without deviation or hindrance to the action. 

The Draft Horse. — Dropping from the higher types to the 
draft horses we still find that conditions of environment have 
given to the different breeds of this class their own characteristic 
ways of going. The true gait of the draft horse is the walk, 



130 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

though the candidate for the best honors must show that he can 
go faster than a walk when necessary, but still maintain his legs 
in such a position as to enable him to exert the maximum of his 
strength as occasion may require. A typical instance may be 
selected from the Clydesdale family, whose long continued use 
in the heavy soil of Scotland has caused him to lift his feet square- 
ly up, flex his ankle joints deeply, turning the sole of his feet 
squarely up, and then, with a long swinging stride, implant them 
on the earth again, indicative of his perfect ability to carry or 
draw the burden to be thrown upon him. The hocks of draft horses 
should not be carried too wide apart, for that detracts from their 
power (resulting from muscular fatigue) in the exertions conse- 
quent on heavy hauling. That the feet of such horses should be 
strong and healthy, with firm hardness of hoofs, will be readily 
inferred from a consideration of their important, special uses as 
supports, from whence proceeds, as the base of action, whatever 
there is of bodily strength or physical power to work or strive 
"with might and main" within the sphere assigned them. Yet 
how frequently do we see horses of this class with weak, tender 
feet, marked by mishaps from careless exposure to irregular, 
hard, loose bodies upon which their heavy tread may chance to 
fall, or lame from the lodgment of flints and pebbles between 
the sole and shoe, to which the customary method of shoeing 
greatly contributes by paring down the sole and frog, and weak- 
ening the heel by opening up the space between the angles of the 
bar and wall, and then setting the toe and heels too high from the 
ground, otherwise removing them too great a distance from the 
point of support, which tends all the more to an excess of pres- 
sure upon the coffin- joint, as well as to the fatigue of the nerves 
and tendon upon which it rests, by the distention they undergo 
at every step the horse takes. It is not to be supposed that team- 
sters, traffic-men or farmers give their horses' feet the particular 
attention given the higher class of racing and pleasure horses, but 



SPECIAL AND GENERAL SHOEING. 131 

they can most assuredly give them common-sense care, and this 
will often spare unnecessary punishment to, or save the life of, 
a useful and valuable animal. 

"Experience keeps a dear school," but a wise man will learn 
to profit by the mistakes of others, and this particular advan- 
tage everyone may reap from the foregoing references to the pres- 
ent subject of inquiry, namely, to keep your horses'' feet as strong 
as mature made thorn, level and balance them as I have sufficient- 
ly pointed out and amply explained under the head of "Practical 
Horseshoeing. " Pare away as little of the sole, frog and bars, 
as possible, to accomplish this end in the proper way; then ad- 
just: as plain and light a shoe as accurately to the hoof as may be 
done, and, lastly, fasten it on with no larger nor more nails 'than 
are judged sufficient to make it secure in position for a reasonable 
length of time — and I will guarantee on the strength of long 
years of experience and close observation, that the fruitful source 
from which arise the many dangerous compressions, inflamma- 
tions, etc., already mentioned, will be obviated, and you will have 
learned, without the aid of other tutor, the great scientific lesson 
of rational horseshoeing. 

But though this method may not be so generally adopted 
by all to its utmost extent, for the reasons previously announced, 
that from the different formation of horses' hoofs, which in some 
will always demand a particular method of shoeing, yet it un- 
doubtedly applies to the majority of horses generally met with, 
and the exceptions remain to be further noted. 

The shoes for draft horses should be only moderately heavy, 
not too thick, and as narrow in their covering as the case admits, 
so as not to endanger the elasticity of the sole. 

Figs. 32 and 33 indicate the patterns usually adopted for 
front and hind feet respectively, showing four nails on each side 
exactly opposite one another, to do the best service with the 
least injury. Toe and heel calks are in general vogue for shoes 
of this kind, and they should always be of equal height and low 



132 



SCIENTIFIC HOBSESHOEING. 




as possible — the lower the 
better for the ease and 
safety of the horse. The 
expediency of calks may 
sometimes be questioned 
especially on the front 
feet, however convenient 
or successful they may be 
in respect to the hold they 
secure, for they aggravate 
the inequalities of bearing 
and deprive the feet of 
liberty of accommodation, 
and work injuries to the 
freedom of the locomotory 
apparatus as previously 
mentioned. 

Resort to toe clips, 
and burning them into 
the hoof to assist in the retention of the shoe, is often productive 
of injury to and soreness in the foot: — as I shall illustrate further 
along — but when applied 
they should be carefully 
turned up with reference to 
these effects, and also in line 
with the angle of the hoof, 
using a knife to notch the 
hoof where they are to be 
buried. 

By the method of shoe- 
ing proposed in connection 
with Fig. 27, and since re- 
ferred to according to the 
perfection or imperfection of Fig. 33. hixd foot shoe for draft hokse. 



Fig. 32. front foot shoe for draft horse. 

A, A, B, B, Figs. 32 and 33, Lines show- 
ing the equal adjustment of shoe to the nor- 
mal center of foot from heel to toe and 
across quarters, thus placing the weight 
upon the right portions of the foot and the 
shoe under the right weight bearers. 




SPECIAL AND GENERAL SHOEING. 133 

the hoofs under consideration, it will be seen that the advantages 
arising from the plain and simple processes recommended are, 
that the free action of the extremities in going with ease is pre- 
served, by not setting on any more iron than is necessary; and 
that in not removing the frog, the foot rests more evenly from toe 
to heel, thus multiplying its points of support and giving it a 
stronger and more adherent landing, without lessening the sur- 
face of ground tread nor yet increasing its friction or fatiguing 
the stride. 

It is observable that a horse goes easy or escapes soon being 
jaded if the frog receives a certain amount of pressure, as it is 
the supporting cushion to the back tendons, also defending the 
sensitive sole against many inconvenient bruises, so that if it is 
kept at a distance from the ground by high heels or by paring 
it away, an inordinate distension of the tendons will happen, 
causing relaxations, swellings and soreness, which are occasioned 
more by paring the sole and frog than by hard driving or the 
distance traveled. Experience has shown that the frog, being 
of a soft, flexible substance, by its natural elasticity, yields to the 
weight of the horse the instant his foot touches the ground, and 
immediately recovers itself again, thus giving a natural expan- 
sion to the foot with every step taken. When contracted feet 
have to be expanded, the most simple, safe and at the same 
time effective means of attaining that end, is to be found in this 
action of the frog. An overgrowth of hoof, that is, high heels 
and long toes, displaces the normal balance of the foot and bear- 
ings of the joints, and causes contraction, weakness and a curl 
under at one or both sides of the heels, forcing the foot bones 
upward — twisting the coronet — producing malformation of the 
wall and an atrophied condition of the internal parts from de- 
fect of nourishment and loss of strength caused by pressure of 
the hoof; all of which defections may be entirely averted if the 
foot is properly dressed as directed. Or before becoming perma- 
nently established, they may be overcome if the foot is leveled 



134 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

and balanced so as to restore frog pressure, when the latter speed- 
ily recovers its lost characteristics and, again, in a healthy condi- 
tion, gradually and naturally accomplishes one of the very pur- 
poses for which it was put there. 

However, there may be cases whereby sudden frog pressure 
might occasion soreness for the time being, when it is still hard 
and dry, or when a horse has worn shoes for a long time, having 
thick, high heels; but, by leveling the frog on a line with the 
hoof when preparing the foot to its proper bearing angle as di- 
rected, this disorder is soon remedied. 

Proportions Of the Hoof. — It is apparent from the anatomy 
of the foot that there is a fixed limit beyond which the growth of 
the hoof should not proceed, though this growth is, in itself, con- 
stant or indefinite, enlarging the base of the hoof as it proceeds. 
In a natural, unshod state, attrition or wear by the strain of the 
animal's mere weight is sufficient to keep the hoof in such size 
and condition that the balancing of the body is properly distrib- 
uted upon the digital regions, thus obviating the impairment 
and lameness which result from improper shoeing, as well as the 
premature breaking down of horses through the overgrowth and 
unbalancing of their hoofs. 

No definite rate can be assigned to the growth of the hoof, 
as some develop more rapidly than others and in different parts, 
though it is claimed by some writers that it requires a year to 
renew a complete wall. The toes of the fore feet and the heels 
of the hind feet are relatively the thickest and strongest parts 
of the wall, and consequently the growths there are more marked 
than at the quarters. In a naturally well-proportioned horse the 
ground tread of 'the fore feet is longer from heel to toe by from 
% in. to 1 in. than across the quarters, and in the hind feet from 
VA to 1% in. 

There is no use in mincing matters, for the more one knows 
about shoeing, the more he knows that the common mode of 



SPECIAL AND GENERAL SHOEING. 135 

doing the work is so frequently destructive, that we seldom meet 
with a horse whose feet have not in some degree lost their natu- 
ral form, and this deviation from their original shape is gener- 
ally proportioned to the length of time he has worn shoes. We 
may learn from this that the horse in a state of bondage is a 
subject fit for our gravest consideration and worthy of every care 
and attention that we can bestow. Certainly it is true, that this 
applies with particular directness to the matter of shoeing, where 
extra precaution should be adopted and intelligent observation 
maintained, in order to guard against unnecessary punishment, 
and secure the best results. 

Resetting the Shoes. — It not infrequently happens that 
horses go lame from an overgrowth of hoof by allowing the shoes 
to remain on too long. A false economy about shoeing bills on 
the part of the owner — by persisting in the continuance of shoes 
on his horse after they have been outgrown by the hoof — is wrong 
and unreasonable, and is the infliction of an unnecessary punish- 
ment. Under ordinary circumstances and conditions of hoof 
growth, the general purpose and draft horse should have his feet 
adjusted and shoes reset every four weeks, and on the track or 
speed horse, every two weeks to preserve the necessary harmony 
of action and balance in the feet. 

Owing to the fact that the hind feet differ from the front 
ones in shape, operation and mode of growth, a different method 
of shoeing should be applied to t!hem. The action of the hind 
limbs, as previously outlined, carries the sweep of the feet nearer 
the ground, and the lighter force of weight in these parts gives 
less flexity to the tread; hence, it follows, that calks are less ob- 
jectionable on the hind shoes, as they tend to keep a horse from 
sliding on a descent, and secure the footing by a deeper clutch 
on the ground. Calks, however, should be rather flat and the 
shoes generally narrower in the web than the front ones (though 
stiff enough to insure substantial form), as a better grip is thus 



136 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

secured in ithe act of springing, and no loss of power sustained in 
the extension of the stride. The shoes also should be attached 
well back of quarters and heels, as these are the stronger parts 
of the wall; but in all cases, both front and back shoes should 
follow the exact marginal line of the wall from toe to heel, and 
if any deficiency exisits in the length or width of hoof, the shoe 
is the thing to supply it with; then if the foot is leveled and 
angled aright, the shoe is to maintain the level by being of uni- 
form thickness, and wherever the foot requires to be raised or 
lowered let the shoe be thickened or thinned to suit the emer- 
gencies of the case. 

Comments on the Gait of Speed Horses.— Some interest- 
ing comparisons are suggested by the records of the phenomenal 
"time beaters" tabulated on page 124. 

Selecting, for an example, the recorded performance of 
Nancy Hanks in 1892, when she trotted a mile on a regulation 
track in the remarkably quick time of 2 minutes and 4 seconds, 
a simple calculation will serve to indicate the rate of speed re- 
quired for its execution. 

The line measure of our standard mile being 1,760 yards or 
5,280 feet, it is seen that in dividing the distance traveled by 
the time expended (reduced to seconds), we have 5,280 feet by 
124 seoonds=42 18-31 feet — or the rate per second traveled by 
Nancy Hanks in the foregoing race. 

By another process the gait of horses or the length of their 
stride will be similarly conveyed. Assuming the stride of the 
horse to measure 16 feet, it will require 330 such strides to com- 
plete the circuit of a mile. If the stride is a rod long (or 16% 
feet), there will be 320 to the mile; and if 17 feet in length, the 
number of strides to the mile will be 310 10-17. 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 137 



CHAPTER VII. 

LAMENESS AND DISEASES OF THE FOOT. 

PATHOLOGICAL SHOEING. 

We can scarcely overestimate the value of sound legs and 
feet in the horse, and having their condition and efficiency for 
a subject, it also naturally follows that the pathology of these 
organs becomes a special topic for inquiry, for their situation and 
uses naturally expose them to a greater liability to injury and 
disease than any other portion of the animal organisation. 

The advantages to be derived from a safe and scientific 
mode of shoeing in the treatment of many of the varied troubles 
to which the feet and legs of horses are constantly subject, are 
attracting more attention among horsemen -than formerly, even 
as the results to be obtained froan such treatment are their own 
best proof of the merits of the agency employed, which need but 
to be seen and understood to be indorsed by all. It is the ver- 
dict of experience that a rational, approved method of shoeing 
will not only protect the horse's foot from injurious wear, and 
thus prevent the certain damage otherwise ensuing, but acting 
on the doctrine that "like cures like," it will transmute the evils 
that men do into good, through its instrumentality as a corrective 
for the manifold crimes committed in its name. This, in truth, 
is the legitimate mission of farriery — "preventing, curing, or 
mitigating diseases." Veterinary surgery — indispensable though 
it be as a healing art — is not competent to deal successfully with 
even the most frequent and familiar of the troubles that beset or 
waylay the horse at almost every footstep, though there are only 
too many cases in which horses are retired to the hospital, or un- 
necessarily subjected to the torture of "fire and blister," while 



138 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

all the fault lies at the bottom of the hoof, in an overgrowth of 
the wall. 

It is of such diseases as have their origin in or otherwise af- 
fect the feet, and which may be relieved or cured by rational 
methods of shoeing, that I purpose treating under this head. 

The different character of the diseases as manifested by dis- 
organized structures or deformities of the foot and hoof, are 
illustrated by typical specimens carefully drawn and selected 
from many similar examples which I have in my possession — the 
collection of years spent in such research — which form a com- 
plete exhibition of the morbid effects resulting from neglect, 
abuse, and improper management of the horse's foot. 

Many foot troubles, when allowed to exist by neglect, or 
when improperly treated, are oftentimes obstinate 'and difficult 
of cure, or are productive of permanent injury or total disabil- 
ity; others yield readily to a seasonable application of proper 
remedies, and may thus be completely overcome and the foot re- 
stored to perfect strength and vigor. 

Most generally the nature of the symptoms, as sihown on 
the joints, tendons or coronet, are directly traceable to an im- 
properly shod or unbalanced foot, and the eye trained to recog- 
nize such tokens will be quick to note that there are no existing 
conditions in the limb that will make it possible for them to find 
birth in it, and as ready to know that all there is to be done is 
to have a competent farrier straighten the foot, and shoe it ac- 
cordingly, to restore the natural conditions and functions of the 
locomotory apparatus. 

Causation Of Diseases. — It is estimated that 75 per cent 
of all the diseases that horse-flesh is heir to, are due to the so- 
called "necessary evils'' of shoeing, and it is found that most 
of this long category arises from a disregard of the primary prin- 
ciples of establishing a level footing for the horse to go upon. 
Hence I find myself incessantly repeating again and again that 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 139 

the first and last object of attention. — the source and center of 
success in farriery — is to bring the feet to a perfect level bear- 
ing, so that the j will point straight and true in line with the 
limbs, and the action of locomotion will be performed with easy 
continuous regularity like the movement of a pendulum. By 
keeping this principle steadily in view, I feel assured that I have 
done more for the improvement of the strength and perfection 
of the horse's foot than could have been done by learning all 
the mysteries of the veterinary school. Without it, all the soak- 
ing tubs, bandages, liniments, etc., are so much time and money 
wasted. 

Though the first condition of incipient trouble has thus been 
pointed out and evidently proved, the matter does not end here, 
for an uneven and unbalanced hoof — high heels or long toes or 
inequalities in height of wall, which displace the natural angle 
of the foot — is, after all, not difficult to detect when knowing 
how and where to look for them, and may easily be regulated by 
any one who will attentively consider the principles of adjust- 
ment as defined in connection with the use of the instruments, 
as given in Chapter IV. 

If the heels are allowed to grow too high the greater part 
of the weight is thrown forward upon the toe and bony struc- 
tures of the limb, and the bones of the foot are forced forward 
against the wall in front. Inflammation of the foot and soreness 
in the joints and bones soon follow. If the toes, on the contrary, 
are allowed to grow too long, then the excess of weight is thrown 
upon the back part of the foot and the flexor tendons become 
sore, strained or ruptured. If one heel or quarter is permitted 
to grow higher than the other, the high side will receive the first 
jar in landing, which bruises the heel on that side and causes 
inflammation and corns. The hoofs, therefore, must be pared 
or dressed in such a way that the weight of the animal will be 
equally distributed upon the ball of the foot between the bones 



140 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

and flexor tendons, in accordance with the instructions given 
for leveling and balancing the feet, as described in Chapter IV. 

Tfye use of toe and heel calks will also produce soreness or 
lameness in fast horses by their uncertain or unequal contact 
with rough, stony pavements, causing a side rocking or tilting 
motion in the limb, racking the joints of the foot which are not 
capable of much lateral motion. 

Another cause that is generally overlooked is the attachment 
of shoes with an unequal number of nails on either side of its 
branches. For example, if four nails are used on the outside 
and only three on the inside branch of the shoe, the inner side, 
with the least number of nails being less permanently fixed, 
yields to the outside more firmly seated on the unyielding shoe, 
and thus by growth and tension the inner side (with fewer nails), 
ia gradually forced in or under the leg, while the outer side 
(with more nails), is correspondingly carried outward and away 
from its normal center, and thus the hoof becomes deformed and 
its movement deranged. Then, by a reversal of the above ar- 
rangement, that is, to drive four nails on the inner side of the 
shoe and only three on the outer, the process will in two or three 
shoeings return the foot to its natural form and straight position 
in the same means and in the same manner through which it had 
lost them. This demonstrates the necessity of shoeing according 
to the principles already defined — having the nails alike on both 
sides and set opposite each other, as directed in Fig. 27. 

Locating the Lameness. — No horseman or farrier need be 
told the effects of splints, sidebones, curbs, spavins or ringbones, 
or how they make themselves known by the condition of the 
organs to which they extend. Hence I shall not now attempt 
to define their symptoms, as they will be succinctly dealt with 
hereafter, but confine the present inquiry to a search for more 
obscure conditions which may attack the foot, while having their 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 141 

location elsewhere, or otherwise appear in remote regions when 
the foot itself is at fault. 

The nicest observation is sometimes demanded to identify 
and locate the causes which produce certain derangements of the 
locomotory apparatus, where a horse is said to "go sore," or 
exhibits signs of tenderness. Simple or severe lameness, where 
the condition of disabled functions is plainly manifested by the 
animal refusing to use an injured leg, or to bear any or an equal 
portion of its weight upon a disabled foot, may easily be detected ; 
but mere tenderness or soreness is more difficult to locate. Se- 
rious results may at times follow from the obscurity enveloping 
the early stages of many foot ailments, for in the absence of 
early treatment, which a correct diagnosis would have given, 
they may easily develop into more complicated maladies or be- 
come transformed into chronic, incurable cases. Hence the im- 
portance of giving attention to early symptoms, how they betray 
themselves, and what region or structure is affected. 

A little observation on the part of the driver will readily 
detect any irregularity or change in the movement of his horse, 
but just where lies the fault is not so easily determined. If the 
horse is trotted slowly down hill and shows more evident signs 
of lameness than when going on the level, it is an indication of 
high or bruised heels ; again, if more distress is shown in going 
up the grade, long toes are the probable cause. Soreness of the 
shoulder muscles is also betrayed in a dragging movement of the 
toes when going up hill. 

In case these preliminaries are not conclusive, lose no time 
in turning the horse over to some competent farrier. The next 
proceeding is naturally the removal of the horse's shoes to ex- 
amine the soles and hoofs all around, for nail pricks or punc- 
tured wounds and external injuries or bruises of any kind. 
Having closely observed these parts and settled their connection 
with any symptoms of lameness, proceed to examine for internal 
soreness by using my foot testers (page 317), to compress the 



142 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

lower margin of the wall all around, from toe to heel as high as 
the nail holes. If there is any soreness in this region the horse 
will flinch or shrink from the pressure, but if nothing is mani- 
fested in this way continue the same process up around the coro- 
net by gripping it between the base of the hoof in the jaws of 
the tester, same as before. Then if the cause of the trouble or 
its seat still remains in doubt, pursue the investigation to other 
regions of the limb or trunk as recommended for "modifications 
of action," page 112. 

LaminitiS, Or Founder. — Under this double head is ex- 
pressed one of the most insidious of all foot ailments. The 
former gives "a local habitation and a name" to the disease as 
applied to the laminar tissues, while the other recognizes it more 
in effect as indicating the "sinking" or falling of the foot struc- 
tures, or the failure of their functional activity as implied by 
the word "foundered," by which name the malady is most 
familiarly known. Its particular character is an inflammation 
of the sensitive laminae, and its general symptoms are so well 
manifested by the impairment of the bodily vigor and power of 
locomotion, or weakness and stiffness in the limbs, accompanied 
with signs of acute pain which the suffering animal attempts to 
relieve by disposing his weight on the sound members, that its 
presence is not easily mistaken. It may be confined to a limited 
region, or it may involve the entire tissue of one or all four 
feet, though the front feet are the ones most affected. Various 
causes are assigned as productive of this disease, such as drink- 
ing too freely of cold water while overheated, rapid changes 
from heat to cold by exposure to cold wind, rain, or washing the 
feet and legs in cold water when the animal has been violently 
exercised or is exhausted by work, over-exertion and ait times 
over-feeding of certain grain, especially corn; bad shoeing is 
also — here as elsewhere — a prevalent factor by paring out and 
weakening the foot, or by applying high heeled shoes, etc. 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 143 

Primary Or Passive Stage. — The early stages of this dis- 
order may consist only of a simple congestion of the sole tissues, 
but as it develops rapidly, if suffered to run its course, the mor- 
bid process will involve other regions in its destructive changes, 
and severe lameness — extremely difficult of cure — or entire phys- 
ical disability will result. The most prompt and efficacious treat- 
ment should therefore be resorted to at the first symptoms of an 
oncoming attack, as the conditions are then favorable for speedy 
relief, and the disease may be checked or cured in one or two 
days' time. 

When the evidences of soreness or weakness appear, or the 
horse stumbles and shifts his gait by declining to use his feet in 
the natural way, have the farrier remove his shoes and pare the 
sole of the foot thin, that the resistance of the horn may not 
obstruct the after measures, then lightly replace the shoes by 
tacking them on with two nails on each side. Cover the body, 
neck and legs warmly with several blankets (strapping them on 
closely all around) and place the feet in tubs of warm water — 
heated to a good temperature — which should be kept so by re- 
placing the water as it cools with a warm supply, as in this 
way the return flow of blood will be increased. Warm drinks 
are also recommended to stimulate internal circulation, the con- 
gestion will be overcome or re-absorbed, and by continuing this 
treatment for twenty-four hours, the symptoms will subside and 
the normal functions be practically restored without disorgani- 
zation. 

Acute Stage VillitiS. — When this form of congestion spreads 
or progresses into a more acute stage it is attended with more 
evidences of soreness and lameness, evidenced by greater unwill- 
ingness of the animal's movements as well as by the various 
positions which it carefully assumes in attempting to alleviate 
the distress of weight on the inflamed member. This secondary 
or extended stage is known as villitis, because it is principally 



144 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

confined to the villous tissue of the sensitive sole; but the point 
of greatest sensation is, naturally, in the region of the toe, where 
the sole and laminal tissues blend into each other , which increases 
the vessels of that part, hence the sensitive laminae may also be- 
come congested or inflamed. The treatment for these acute cases 
is the same as for the more passive cases above prescribed, and 
usually the symptoms will pass away or recovery be accomplished 
within a comparatively short space of time. 

Imperfect recoveries, however, naturally impair the secre- 
tive powers of the sensitive sole, and thus render it liable to 
after effects, which may be obviated if properly managed. 

Chronic Or Violent Stage. — True laminitis is the sequel of 
the progressive development or culmination of the acute stage, 
when the inflammation becomes general throughout the laminae 
and the tendency to injurious changes of the structures become 
more marked. When this stage of the disease is reached, the 
symptoms are greatly increased and the distress of the animal 
correspondingly intensified. The inability to support weight 
often causes it to lie down, and constitutional disturbance by loss 
of appetite and feverish restlessness are attendant characteristics 
of this phase of the disease. 

The vital connection A^hich these laminae sustain to the en- 
tire animal economy and their situation between the horny hoof 
and the bony structures of the foot, necessarily renders any com- 
pression or inflammation of them one of peculiar injury and 
suffering to the horse. When thus affected they are no longer 
able to perform the function of weight bearers, their power of 
withstanding the work imposed on them is lessened, and the 
pressure upon them gradually weakens and destroys their at- 
tachment to the hoof, letting the bones descend upon the sole, 
resulting in that condition of helplessness and disability known 
as "founder." This indicates that when laminitis becomes 
firmly established or deep rooted, various complications are 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



145 




inevitable. Other organs 
are invaded, the parts af- 
fected become useless and 
the animal either becomes 
an incurable cripple or is 
soon relieved by death. 

This illustration 
gives a correct impression 
of the ravages of laminitis, 
when its processes con- 
tinue to the chronic stage, 
whereby the joints, ten- 
dons and other structures 
of the foot are alike in- 
volved and their functions 
impaired. The disease 
has destroyed the laminal 
connections, a forced sep- 
aration of the parts has 
turned or dished the hoof, 
and depressed the coffin- 
bone upon the sole, which 
has thus; become weak, 
thin, and bulged or drop- 
ped downward, the space between the bone <and hoof being 
filled with a fungous deposit resembling honey-comb. 

In dressing a foot of the kind shown in Eig. 34, it is first 
necessary to foreshorten the toe as much as can be safely done 
without injury, by rasping around the front and sides and tak- 
ing out the "dish," and restoring the hoof to its natural shape 
as far as possible. In feet of this kind, the sole is thin and weak, 
hence care must be taken that it is not cut or pared in any 
way around the point of the frog. When leveling the wall for 
the shoe, commence at the heels and lower both sides as much 



Fig. 34. median section of a "found- 
ered" FOOT, SHOWING THE SEVERE EFFECTS 
OF CHRONIC LAMINITIS. 

A, Coffin- or pedal-bone. B, Navicular 
bone. C, Lower pastern. D, Upper pas- 
tern bone. E, Sesamoid. F, Lower end of 
cannon bone. G, Horny sole. H, Plantar 
cushion. K, Velvety tissue or sensitive 
sole. M, Wall, dished or turned up toe. 
N, Laminal tissue — the seat of laminitis. 
0, Fungous growth. P, Extensor tendon. 
R, Flexor perforatum. S, Flexor perforans. 



146 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 35. front foot shoe for dropped 

SOLES AND FOR FLAT, WEAK SOLED FEET. 

A, Bevel on toe from calk to outer rim. 

B, Long toe calk set back from front. 



as can be safely done, and 
this operation must be 
carried forward toward 
the quarters. In some 
oases where the sole is 
badly dropped, it will be 
found impossible to get 
more than two and one- 
half to three inches level 
bearing for the shoe. 
When the foot is thus 
prepared apply the style 
of shoe shown in Fig. 
35. 

By having the toe 
set well back on the shoe, 
the center of gravity will 
fall more directly under the bearing of the foot and leg bones, 
and thus the strain will be partly taken off the weakened 1am- 
inse. If the foot be too wide at the heels and quarters, clips 
should be drawn up on both sides of the shoe, opposite the wings 
of the coffin-bone, that the hoof may be retained from further 
expansion. Clips are not to be used in front ; bevel the front 
part of the shoe at the toe on the ground surface in order to pre- 
vent the horse from stumbling or tripping. Eeset the shoes 
every three weeks, by lowering the heels again, and in four or 
five shoeings, the sole will return to its natural concave form. 
Do not file or rasp the new growth. 

The shoes being nailed solidly at the heels, it will be readily 
seen that the front part being released, and an open space inter- 
vening between the foot and the shoe, the foot will press down 
to meet the shoe at every step which the horse takes forward, 
and just in proportion as the foot springs down, the sole will be 
returned to its natural cup-like form. 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



147 




Fig. 36. side view of hoof showing 
the effects of springing the shoe off 

THE HEEL. 

A, Lower margin of horny frog. B, Side 
or quarter of wall. C, Cavity for the cor- 
onary cushion. D, Shoe on the hoof. 



DROPPED SOLE CAUSED BY BAD SHOEING. 

Three Views from a Single Specimen. 

The illustrations on 
•this and the following page 
are typical examples of 
the condition of a found- 
ered foot, or dropped sole 
resulting from bad shoe- 
ing. 

Springing the shoes 
off the heels, thereby 
breaking down the quar- 
ters will cause such effects, 
especially in large draft 
horses that have low, 
broad heels; and Figs. 36 
and 37 show an instance 
of this kind. It is plain 
that such style of shoeing 
must prove disastrous in 
the extreme, whereas if 
the shoe had been fitted so 
that the heels would have 
corresponded with the 
dotted lines F, F, F, F, 
Fig. 37, the trouble would 
have been avoided. The 
excessive width of this 
foot as compared with its 
length from toe to heel in- 
dicates that the quarters 
have been broken down, 
the heels worn low and 




Fig. 37. bottom view of same hoof. 

A, Cleft of frog. B, Horny frog. C, 
Commissures. D, Bars. F, F, F, F, Dotted 
lines showing where the shoes ought to have 
been fitted to cover the quarters and heels. 
E, E, Bulge of heels pressed through shoe 
by too wide fitting. G, G, Lower face of 
horny sole. 




148 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

become bruised and 
curled under or bulged 
below the shoe, and 
low heels will produce 
a "wheel" foot, such as 

Fig. 38. side view of coffin-bone out of shown ln -Fig- 36. Fig. 
the foot, Figs. 36 and 37. 38 shows the coffin-bone 

from same foot much 
distorted from its original form by the effects of faulty shoeing, 
as well as of disease lesulting from the same. 

Peditis is the term applied to this serious complication of 
laminitis, where not only the laminae but the periosteum and 
the coffin-bone are also subject to the inflammatory process which 
sometimes involves the coffin- joint. 

Depression of the coffin-bone is oftentimes accompanied with 
suppuration, where the separation of the reticulum from the 
bone takes place, and gangrene and superficial caries are common 
results. 

The destructive effects of this disease upon the internal 
structure of the foot are well displayed in this drawing. The 
bone has become much distorted from its original form, from 
the pressure of the part constantly under weight when the sole 
has become dropped; the upper surface has "dished," as it 
were, or fallen in, until only one-half its original height, while 
an immense number of small spines or thorn-like spurs have 
grown all over it, and the lower part of the bone has convexed 
in an extreme degree, bulging down until it had lost all sem- 
blance of its original shape. 

In a preceding chapter instructions have been laid down for 
the management and shoeing of the feet of draft horses, and 
if they are carefully followed the most satisfactory results will 
be obtained. 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC, 



149 



In paring and dressing such a foot as shown here, the opera- 
tion must be the reverse of that described in Fi°;. 34, that is 
the height or depth of toe being excessive in this case, it must 
be reduced as much as possible, and the heels left intact. The 
shoe bearings then, thus obtained, being around the front part 
of the shoe, use shoe Fig. 35, but nail around the toe instead of 
at the heels. Or it may be necessary to resort to a bar shoe for 
restoring the foot, but this will depend on the judgment of the 
farrier. 




Fig. 39. specimen of seedy toe. 



Seedy Toe. — Among 

the complicated effects 
of chronic laminitis is 
a peculiar desiccation 
of the hoof commonly 
known as " Seedy Toe." 
This condition is well 
represented by the ap- 
pearance of Fig. 39, in 
which is also seen the 

evidences of neglect in dressing and leveling the foot. In this 
specimen the wall is twice its natural thickness on the side in 
view, it will be noticed that it is also scarred and seamed with 
rough ridges — due to irregular secretion of horn — while the heel 
is abnormally high, the sole being fully 1% inches too thick, and 
the toe turns up from an overgrowth at least two inches too 
long. Laminitis does not always involve the whole of the leafy 
tissue — even in the present instance — the morbid process appears 
to have destroyed only certain regions, where the leaves take on 
a regular honey-combed appearance, while other portions pre- 
sent a comparatively sound and healthy structure. But in most 
cases it develops rapidly, and if unchecked, continues to spread 
until the entire region is involved, with structural changes of 
the most serious character. 



150 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



For a foot affected in this manner, pare the hoof level and 
as low as possible, rasp the wall thin from coronet to ground 
surface, and get 'the hoof back near as may be to its natural 
shape. If there is any tenderness in the sole it must be protected 
by using a plain, flat, broad-webbed shoe, well concaved on the 
sole-bearing surface, the nail holes to be punched where the foot 
is least affected, and the shoes reset every two or three weeks. 
It is difficult to describe any particular style of shoe to meet the 
emergencies of such cases, and the farrier must judge what is 
best. Cold water bandages around the coronet will assist in 
keeping the horn moist and allaying fever and pain. 

Fig. 40 illustrates 
the further ravages 
of chronic laminitis, 
in which its destruc- 
tive effects (coupled 
with the mismanage- 
ment of the foot) are 
perhaps more plainly 
discernible. In this 
instance the heels 
have been allowed to 




Fig. 40. another example of seedy toe. 



A, A, Angle of hoof as it stands, 34 degrees. 
B, B, Line to which surplus growth of front wall 
should be removed. C, Cavity for coronary cush- 
ion. D, Horny laminae. E, E, Line to which 
surplus growth should be removed at base. E, J, 
Indicating how much heels will be lowered by grow to such an ex- 
reducing the base of hoof. F, Point to which tent as to raise them 
coffin-bone was wasted. G, Normal extent of 

coffin-bone. H, Line indicating front angle of far above their nor- 
coffin-bone to be 75 degrees (should be 50). I, G-, mal position. The 
Line to which coffin-bone will conform when 

hoof is reduced as directed. normal an S le of tlie 

heel from the ground 
surface to the coronet is the same as the angle of the front part of 
the foot from toe to coronet. In proportion, however, as the 
toe lengthens, just so much will the angle of the ground surface 
of the foot be carried forward, as seen in the above diagram, 
which shows the growth at the back of the quarters to be of 
unusual height, raising the heels up out of their natural augle. 



LAMENESS ANT> DISEASES, ETC. 



151 




and, as the heels are raised up, just so much the heels of the 
coffin-bone are elevated, and the point of the bone is pressed 
forward against the front part of the foot, preventing the action 
of the secretive powers, bringing on inflammation, burning and 
scalding, and destroying the life of the foot, causing what is 
called seedy toe. In shoeing a foot of this description, great \ 
care must be taken that none of the sole be removed around the 
point of the frog. Kemove the surplus growth from quarters to 
heel as shown by line, E, E. By removing surplus growth the 
heels will be lowered 
as shown from E to 
J, and the pressure 
will be relieved on 
point of coffin-bone. 
Remove the surplus 
growth in front to 
the line B, B, after 
which the foot will 
be placed upon its 
natural angle of 46 
degrees. Compare 
this foot with Eig. 
41. As the sole will 

be quite tender and sore at the point of the frog, the shoe must 
be well concaved around the front. Use shoe shown in Eig. 35. 
Rivet leather at the heels, letting it extend all over the shoe. 
Take fat pickled pork out of the brine, and cutting in slices, cover 
the bottom of the foot well, and then nail on the shoe slightly. 
Afterward stand the horse in a soaking tub of warm water for 
three or four hours. This will melt the pork, and thus assist in 
speedily removing the soreness. Bear in mind to keep the 
pressure off around the point and sides of toe, and thus give 
great freedom to the diseased parts. Keep the soaking swabs 
around the coronet wet with warm water. Reset the shoes every 



Fig. 41. the same hoof with one side prop- 
erly PARED AND STRAIGHTENED, AS INDICATED BY 
DOTTED LINES IN FIG. 40. 

A, Effects of disease on horny laminse. B, B, 
Correct angle of toe after removal of surplus 
growth as shown — 46 degrees. C, Cavity for cor- 
onary cushion. D, Horny laminse. E, Surplus 
growth to be removed on the opposite side. F, 
Elevation of toe of hoof above shoe, to obviate 
pressure. 



152 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



two or three weeks in order to check or keep down the under- 
growth of heels and quarters. 

I have often taken feet when the coffin-bone had worn 
through the sole at its points, and by the above treatment have 
restored them to their normal condition, and they have ever 
afterward remained sound. 

The effects of chronic 
cases, of founder or laminitis 
upon the foot are seen in Fig. 
42 ; and not only the foot, 
but every tendon, joint and 
bone from the knee to the foot 
is seriously affected. These 
evils can be reasonably attrib- 
uted to the want of skillful 
knowledge of horseshoeing and 
of the management of the 
hoof. 

In paring a foot of this 
kind, follow the instructions 
laid down for paring the flat 
foot; always bearing in mind 
the necessity of gettin 




FlG. 42. DISHED FOOT AND DKOPPED 
SOLE. 

A, A, Line to which surplus growth 



g and 



at toe is to be removed. B, B, Ground keeping the f oot in its natural 
line to which surplus growth is to be , . 

reduced from heel to quarter. position. Use shoe described 

in Ficr. 35. 
When describing the lateral cartilage in the chapter on 
"The Foot of the Horse/' a brief reference was made to certain 
derangements of their natural structure by process of inflamma- 
tion, through which they lose their soft elastic qualities and are 
changed into bone. Fig. 43 represents a typical case of the 
disease mentioned, which is often met with in practice, especial- 
ly in heavy draft horses, though speed and saddle horses, and 
also well-bred carriage horses, are not exempt from its attacks, and 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



153 




Fig. 43. coffin-bone with supplemental at- 
tachment OF SIDE BONE OR OSSIFIED LATERAL CAR- 
TILAGE. 

A, Body of coffin-bone. B, Lower margin of 
its wing. C, Side bone or ossified cartilage sur- 
mounting the wing. 



m some instances it 
is hereditary. 

There are num- 
bers of conditions 
which may be the 
exciting cause of this 
bony formation; va- 
rious diseases of the 
foot may occasionally 
involve the connec- 
tive tissues, such as 
ulcerated heels and 
laminitis ; but con- 
traction, violent con- 
cussion or injuries, and over distension by weight, bad shoe- 
ing and unlevel feet are the prevailing causes of o&sific develop- 
ment. The present example is to be classed with others resulting 
from bad shoeing, 
and is the outcome 
of the next morbid 
specimen, here intro- 
duced as a dismal 
relic of perverted 
appliances. 

In this case, the 
distorted condition 
of the hoof — the 
twisted heel and cor- 
rugated coronet — the 
diseased appearance 
of the laminae, and 

the disorganized character of the whole structure generally, 
are the consistent product of one common factor, namely, an un- 
even ground-bearing of the foot. To still further illustrate and 




Fig. 44. view of the hoof (of right front 

FOOT) IN WHICH THE BONE (FIG. 40) WAS IMBEDDED 
AS INDICATED, BY THE DISTORTION OF THE OUTSIDE 
HEEL. 



154 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



explain the subject, I insert here two opposing views of the bones 
of the front foot and leg in order to establish a comparison be- 
tween the normal and abnormal position of which they are the 
representations. 



■pi 

iii 



FlG. 45. NORMAL POSITION, FRONT 
VIEW. 

E, E, Vertical line through axis of 
joints. A, Cannon-bone. B, Upper 
pastern. C, Lower pastern. D, Cof- 
fin-bone. F, F, Inner and outer 
splints. G, G, G, Lower row of knee 
bones. H, H, Upper row. 

The knees and hocks are formed of 
several .small bones placed in two 
rows, articulating with the larger 
bones above and below, as shown and 
described in skeleton, Fig. 2. 




Fig. 46. abnormal position, back 
view. 

A, B, Level to which the foot should 
conform. C, Vertical line locating 
center of axis and indicating the dis- 
placement caused by unlevel base of 
foot throwing the weight on the out- 
side heel. D, Coffin-bone. E, Navicu- 
lar. F, Lower pastern. G, Upper pas- 
tern. H, H, Sesamoids. I, Cannon-bone. 
J, J, Splints (the highest one dis- 
eased). K, Morbid enlargement of up- 
per pastern. L. L, Side bones or ossi- 
fied cartilages. 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 155 

The parallel of these views is self evident, and but little is to 
be said in addition to my former observations on leveling and bal- 
ancing the foot. When the bones and joints are in their natural 
relations, as shown in Fig. 45, the precision and accuracy of their 
functional activity is assured. The weight is carried through 
the normal centers of the limbs, the foot rests naturally, with 
every part of the apparatus sustaining its proper share of the 
burden, and when springing from the ground it is in direct line 
with the median plane of the body, and its movement forward 
and back is as regular as the swing of a pendulum. But when 
the ground-bearing of the hoof is uneven, as shown in Fig. 46, 
the incidence of the muscles is misdirected, the bones and their 
articulations are displaced from the extremity of the limb to its 
union with the trunk, and derangement of the entire structure 
is the inevitable result. To simplify the matter by a further de- 
scription of Fig. 46, it is seen that the base of the foot is not 
level with the line below, and that this deflects the bony column 
out of the perpendicular. Assuming the width of the hoof to 
be four inches, and the distance from the base to the knee to be 
twenty inches, any unevenness, starting at one side or the other of 
the base, increases in the ratio of five to one ; thus, a displacement 
of one-fourth of an inch at the bottom of the foot, will amount 
to a displacement of one and one-quarter inches at the knee. Im- 
proper paring of the hoof is of too frequent occurrence, and this 
illustration is only one of the many serious results following 
from a disregard of the firsft principles of shoeing. Impaired 
nutrition, diminished and obstructed secretion, abnormal growths 
and structural changes are always associated with it. It is im- 
possible for a horse to spring from the ground or land on it in 
a line with the movements of his body unless his feet are straight 
in that direction and level in their bearings, and from a neglect 
in these regards or want of precaution to secure them, arise 
many maladies of joints, bones, tendons, cartilages, laminse, and 
other structures of the feet and legs. 



156 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




The structural change of cartilage 
into bone arises from a deposit of lime 
salts, and may be of rapid or slow 
growth. The usual symptoms are 
manifested by the presence of fever- 
heat around the affected part, attended 
by more or less soreness, stiffness or 
lameness, and as the change advances 
it will be apparent by enlargement and 
by a sense of hardness to the touch. 
This illustration indicates the general 
appearance of a foot in this condition. 
When thus invaded the tendency is to 
increase, and no permanent cure can 
be effected, as the cartilage tissue can 
not be restored; but in the early stages 
of the disorder the calcification may 
be arrested and the thickening re-ab- 
sorbed by the application of a sweat 
blister. There are many variations 
of side bones, but the front feet are 
most liable to suffer from them. If 
both cartilages on the same foot are 
attacked at the same time, it is noticeable that they are less liable 
to cause lameness than if but one side is affected. 

My drawings are samples of the development of side bones 
on one side of the foot as a consequence of one heel of the hoof 
being higher or longer — from coronet to base — than the other 
which is provocative of such malformation. 

Where shoeing can be altogether dispensed with it will be 
better for the natural relief of side bones than otherwise, but 
where shoes are necessary they must be made to suit the condi- 
tions of the foot and the nature of the work to be performed. 
In all cases, however, when dressing the foot, follow the di- 



FlG. 47. OUTSIDE APPEAR- 
ANCE OP SIDE BONES WHEN 
DEVELOPED. 

A, Enlargement of carti- 
lage transformed into bone. 
B, Its effect shown by bulge 
of wall at heel. C, C, Ab- 
normal height of heels, 
D, Extension of side bone 
over pastern. E, Prolonga- 
tion of side bone over the 
quarter. 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



157 



rections given for the perfect foot, Fig. 23. This will equalize 
the bearings throughout, then, if the conditions are favorable 
for natural frog pressure, use flat, thin heeled shoes. If only 
one side bone exists, use the three-quarter shoe, Fig. 59, but if 
both sides are alike involved, it is better to insert a simple tip 
around the toe — 'the object being to place both shoe and nails 
to the best advantage, that all avoidable pressure may be removed 
from the diseased region. Reset the shoes at frequent enough 
intervals to keep the foot true to its natural balance. 

Fig. 48. The laminal 
leaves of the horse's foot 
are, as already men- 
tioned, peculiarly sus- 
ceptible to the influ- 
ences of disease, con- 
cussion, injurious burn- 
ing, compression, etc. 
The present subject is 
a characteristic example 

of the evils last named. 

Fig. 48. hoof of dkaft horse, indicating 
bpurs oi the norny THE destructive effects of hot fitting and 
laminae arise from ex- clipping. 
ternal compression up- A, Spur of horny laminae, produced by clip 

on toe of the wall, and on a oe * 

appear upon its inner surface in the form of a hard callosity of 
varying thickness and length. In the above figure the growth 
has extended the full length of the leaves, imbedding itself 
against the coffin-bone, which has wasted away as this extra- 
neous growth proceeded. Fig. 49 is a view of the lower face 
of same hoof and completes the story of the case. It shows 
a severely contracted quarter and heel on one side, and a large 
surplus growth around the front of the other, and all over its 
surface are the visible signs of hot fitting and bad shoeing. The 
bars and frog have been pared away and the strength of the 




158 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




foot destroyed, together with 
its balance. In a natural foot 
the frog is the right dividing 
line from heel to toe, but in 
this case the narrow or con- 
tracted side was forced to ac- 
cept two-thirds of the whole 
weight, as indicated by its rela- 
tive proportions. 

Prom obstruction to its 
secretions, the sole was deprived 
of its elastic properties, and 
the entire hoof was similarly 
Fig. 49. bottom of same hoof, as in exhausted and reduced to a 

FIG. 48, SHOWING CONTRACTION FEOM }, - condition thrOUgh- 

QUARTER TO HEEL ON ONE SIDE, AND AN 
OVERGROWTH FROM QUARTER TO TOE ON OUt. 

the other. Compare with Fig. 23 and 

remove the surplus growth of 
the full side and supply any lack of ground tread on the con- 
tracted side by carrying the web of the shoe wide enough to 

K cover out the de- 

ficiency. 

Figs, 50 and 51 
will serve to still 
further illustrate 
the tendency of hot 
fitting and clipping 
to work destructive- 
ly upon inner struc- 
tures of the foot. 

Clipping is not 
injurious if proper- 
ly done. Skillful 
farriers can resort 




Fig. 50. median section of hoof showing further 
effects of hot fitting and clipping. 

A, Cavity for coronary cushion. B, Leafy tissue 
of horny lamina?. C, Side of internal fissure. D, 
Section of bulb of plantar cushion. E, Section of 
horny sole at margin of coffin-bone. F, Section of 
horny sole at point of frog. G, Section of horny 
frog. H, H, Section of spur of horny laminae. I, 
Fungous deposit at toe. J, Section of wall at toe. 
K. K, Height of wall at toe, angle 45 degrees. 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



159 




to this expedient for a lifetime 
without injury to the foot; but in 
the hands of ignorant men, a horse 
shod by this method is subject to 
certain injury. In general, I do 
not hesitate to say from practical 
experience, that I believe hot fit- 
tings and clippings injurious if the 
feet have lost their proper angle. 
In the endeavor to accommodate 
shoes that are too short for the 
feet for which they are intended, 
ignorant and unskilled farriers 
often cut out the front of the foot 
until they draw blood, then burn 
in the clip so as to stop the flow 
of blood, and worse than all, 
hammer the clip back into the 
foot. 

The result of such malpractice is to cause the heat to pene- 
trate into the sensitive parts, dry up the secreting nourishment 
and cause an unnatural compression againsit the insensitive lam- 
inae at their union with the sensitive laminae around the lower 
margin of the toe. Fever sets in, drying up and destroying the 
parts under compression, and the formation of a decayed, pithy, 
horny substance is the result. 

But in addition to clips, there are many other spur-produc- 
ing causes, which for want of space can not be defined in the 
present work. Mere mention, however, may be made of a few 
that have come under my notice, such as the driving of large 
thick-bladed nails into thin shells. This, it is true, may not 
lay up the horse, but the spur which will result will make him 



1 

F" F 

Fig. 51. upper face of coffin- 
bone, SHOWING EFFECTS OF HOT 
FITTING AND CLIPPING. 

A, A, Extensions or wings of 
heels. B, Eminence on which is in- 
serted the extensor tendon. C, C, 
Lateral faces. D, Groove worn 
by spur. E, Depth to which this 
groove sometimes extends. F, F, 
Margin to which the bone should 
conform. G, G, Articular surface 
of coffin- joint. 



160 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

tender footed, and if not at once remedied, the trouble will in 
time become aggravated. In a word, any improper manage- 
ment of the foot tending to produce an unnatural compression 
of the insensitive and sensitive laminae, thereby destroying or 
preventing the action of the secretive powers, will cause the 
formation of a spur, large or small, which, if not attended to, 
will in the end develop to the great injury of the foot and the 
horse. I have in my possession many specimens of hoofs in 
which spurs are present, and" an examination of them will show 
conclusively the cause of the spur in each case. 

Diagnosis for spur in the toe, and its causes, will show the 
horse to be restless on his front feet, stretching or pointing first 
one foot forward, then the other, and this action always in- 
dicates trouble of some kind in the front part or toe of the 
foot. If a decayed, pithy, horny substance, as shown in Figs. 
48 and 50, be found, it should be probed and cut out as deeply 
as safety will admit, being careful not to draw blood. Fill the 
cavity with my foot salve (No. 2, page 338). Finally apply 
a shoe suitable for flat feet, care being taken to keep the pres- 
sure off the toe, as elsewhere shown. If for a draft horse, 
use shoe, Fig. 35. Dress the foot to make it conform as near as 
possible to Fig. 23, and follow the directions given for that 
purpose. It will be found impossible to straighten the foot at 
once, as the new growth proceeds slowly from the coronet. File 
or rasp the outside crust in front from coronet to ground sur- 
face, as that will tend to release the internal structures from 
pressure. Apply hot-water bandages around the coronet, for 
the purpose of stimulating a new growth. 

Contraction is almost always the result of improper shoeing 
and mismanagement of the foot, primarily due to overgrowth of 
the hoof at toe and heels. At times the shoes remain on too 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



161 




Fig. 52. contk acted hoof. 

A, Spur of frog forced above level of coro- 
nary band. B, B, Bars forced above level 
of coronary band. C, C, Abnormal height 
of heel from coronet to ground surface. 



long and the growth of 
hoof becomes excessive, 
or the horse may be al- 
lowed to stand in his stall 
in hot dry weather with- ' 
out sufficient exercise, 
whereby his feet become 
dry, hard and feverish, 
and such conditions are 
exciting causes of contrac- 
tion, and horses thus af- 
fected are also more apt 
to stumble and cut themselves than would otherwise be the case. 
Fig. 52 shows a contracted hoof pro- 
duced by an abnormally high wall. The 
appearance of the same hoof on its ground 
surface is represented in Fig. 53. The 
base of the hoof had wired together un- 
til the bars and spur of frog were raised 
above the level of the coronary band, 
against which the coffin-bone was also 
compressed by being forced upward, im- 
peding or altogether stopping the func- 
tional activity of the vascular tissues, and 
causing a calcareous deposit or bony 
formation around the coronary cushion 
producing stiffness in the foot joints. By 

ithe contraction across the quarters, the 

. A, A, A, A, Abnormal 

foot was relatively elongated, the heels rheight of heelfl from coro . 

narrowing and closing the commissures net to base. B, Difference 

. , , „ , , . , . in height of heel at coro- 

with an overgrowth of sole, and pinching net> F? p> contracted 
the frog, as it were in a vise, between the across quarters. C, Con- 

-, T , -,-. ,i • tracted cleft. D, I), Con- 

bars, destroying all tie expansive powers tracted bulbs at f rog . E> E , 

of the foot. Contraction may be easily Contracted quarter at base. 




Fig. 53. lower face of 
same hoof. 



162 



scientific; horseshoeing. 



avoided or overcome by proper care of the feet and right meth- 
ods of shoeing. The main feature is to keep the feet as near as 
possible to their natural shape, and this can only be done by 
leveling and balancing them as directed in Chap. IV. 

The complica- 
tions brought about 
by contraction in- 
clude not only the 
effects visible on the 
external parts of the 
hoof, as shown in 
the preceding Figs. 
52 and 53, but its 
tendency is to work 
many destructive 
changes in the ap- 
paratuses of the in- 
ternal - foot, as is 
here partially indi- 
cated by Fig. 54, 
which represents 
the displacement of 

the bony structures A Coffin-bone. B, Navicular. C. Lower pastern. 

from SUC'h cause. D, Upper pastern. E, Lower end of cannon. F, Sec- 
tion of velvety tissue. G. Section of wall. H, Sec- 
tion of horny sole. I, Section of horny frog. K, 
wires Fragment of plantar cushion. L. Horny laminae. 
M, Sensitive laminae. N, N, Extensor tendon. 0. O. 
Flexor perforatum. P, P, Flexor perforans. R. Sesa- 

base, the sole and moid ligament. S, Sesamoid bone (dotted line). T. T. 

frog are forced Up- Brancnin g of flexor perforatus. 1. Pyramid of coffin- 
bone displaced. 2, Its normal position. 3. Normal 
ward, together with position of coffin-joint. 

the bones and other 

organs of the foot, until they are all tightly cramped by the 

closing in of the horny box. The unnatural pressure around 

the sole inflames the various tissues, causing a disease of the 




Fig. 54. median section of foot, showing displace- 
ment CAUSED BY CONTRACTION. 



When the hoof con- 
tracts and 
under around the 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 163 

sensitive sole, called villitis, which may diffuse itself to the lam- 
inae, producing laminitis; and this progressing may involve the 
coronary cushion in a process of hardening and thickening which 
may terminate in coronitis — an ossification of this organ (simi- 
lar to that of the lateral cartilages when side bones are forming), 
which may be plainly felt when examination is made around the 
coronet ait the quarters. Xo definite rule can be given for shoe- 
ing that would cover all cases of contraction ; the farrier must 
be governed by his understanding of the case confronting him. 
Good judgment will direct that the hoof must be reduced and 
pared low as necessary to bring it to a good level bearing, as per 
Tig. 23, for shortening the toe within the limits of safety. If 
the frog is hard and dry, pare it level with the wall and open 
up the commissures along the sides of frog, and remove the horny 
sole to its union with the wall by thinning it until serum ex- 
udes, as this will give freedom to the action of the frog. Also 
if the heels are curled under (like an in-growing toe nail) open 
them up as deep as can be safely done, and in thus giving ex- 
pansion to the bottom of the hoof, it will relax at the top and- 
allow the necessary freedom at the coronet for the structures to 
assume their normal relations. After dressing the foot, apply 
the raised split-bar shoe, Fig. 154, as this will assist in expanding 
the hoof. Eivet a good solid piece of leather at the heels of 
the shoe to cover the bottom of the foot, then fill the bottom of 
the foot with a warm application of my foot salve, covering the 
same with an overlay of cotton or oakum, then nail on the shoe 
and leather pad and keep pressure off around the front part of 
the toe. After shoeing let the horse stand with both front feet 
in tubs of warm water (to fully cover the feet eight or ten inches) 
for two hours a day until soreness disappears. Heset the shoes 
every two weeks, pare the growth off the base of the hoof and 
keep the sole thin so as to allow it to spring under the weight of 
the body, at the same time have the feet washed around the coro- 
net daily with warm water and castile soap (as described in 



164- 



SCIENTIFIC HOESESHOEIK"G. 



prescription ^N"o. 1), and the horse may be worked right along 

without hindrance. 

This specimen rep- 
resents the effects of 
contraction by having 
the walls grow too deep, 
the heels wiring in un- 
til they came together 
from coronet to ground 
surface, and the foot 
was hardly more than 
half its natural diame- 
ter. The heels over- 
lapping each other had 
crowded the bars, frog 

A, A, Line to which overgrowth should be ^d i nn er spur up above 
removed at base. 55 degrees indicates the pres- 
ent angle of hoof. 45 degrees indicates the angle * he coronary band, 
to which it will conform when surplus growth 
B, is removed. 




Fig. 55. mule's hoof showing effects of 
overgrowth producing contraction. 



the crowding of the 
bars thus necessitated 
a displacement of the internal structure, the coffin-bone was 
raised behind, the weight presses it forward against the lamina?. 
The laminae in this part being 
overtasked, soreness and finally 
lameness ensues. 

In many instances the mule 
is treated for lameness or strains, 
when the proper remedy was to 
have had his feet properly dressed 
and suitably shod. Do not per- 
mit the heels to grow to an ex- 
treme height, pare them down as 
much as can be safely done. 

In shoeing a foot of 'this 
description, open the heels and Fig. 56. mule shoe. 




LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



16; 



weaken them at both sides of the commissures, as thin as safety 
will permit; keep pressure off the toe. In shoeing for drafting 
purposes, toe and heel calkins' will be required. In such cases, 
have them low, and of the same height, that the foot may be 
kept as close to the ground as possible, and the animal will 
travel with more ease and safety. Let the shoes be adjusted in 
a manner so as to fit the wall; and to avoid the possibility of 
cramping the foot, use small nails, with the nail holes straight 
punched, and driving so as to take a low, short, thick hold. Be- 
set the shoes every three or four weeks. 

The horse's hoof, as described 
in Chap. Ill, is so constructed that 
any exertion may be best carried 
on by giving elasticity from the 
center of the toe, as the fulcrum 
of a reciprocating motion or 
spring around each side to the 
heels. Should the natural con- 
ditions of the foot be altered, 
however, by being deprived of 
sufficient moisture to preserve in 
it that degree of combined tough- 
ness and flexibility, the foot loses 
its power to yield to pressure and 
return, and when force sufficient 
to overcome its resistance is ex- 
erted, the hoof, no longer capable of springing to it, suddenly 
gives way by splitting. 

This breakage occurs wherever the strain is the greatest 
at either of the sides from the quarters to the heel, or directly 
through the middle of the hoof in front. 

The condition generally present, then, in the splitting of 
the horny hoof, is a hard, dry britltleness, and this may arise in 




Fig. 57. front view of the hoof 
properly dressed for toe crack. 



166 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

a variety of causes. Hot fitting and clipping, as well as high. 
toes and heels on shoes which prevent the frog from coming in 
contact with the ground, high heels on foot or shoe, flat feet and 
long toes on draft horses, and the paring away of the frog, sole, 
bars and heel, whereby the foot becomes contracted, are pro- 
lific sources for bringing the hoof into the above-mentioned 
state. 

Any horse whose feet are thus placed is exposed to fracture 
either on their anterior or lateral surfaces. With these condi- 
tions toe crack is produced by the foot acquiring an uneven 
ground surface, and being thrown into an unnatural or forced 
position. If the heel of the foot, through ignorance or neglect, 
is suffered to grow to an unusual height, the pressure and thrust 
of the coffin-bone against the front wall will almost surely result 
in fracturing it in that region. A. peculiar accident to which 
horses are sometimes liable, will also produce the same result. 
When a horse, being shod with heel calkins, overreaches him- 
self, that is, treads on his hoof with another foot, and bruises 
the coronet or crust, the crease thus made oftentimes extends 
itself until the crust is split from the coronet to the ground 
surface. 

Toe cracks most generally attack the feet of heavy draft 
horses, doubtless owing to the ignorant method of applying their 
shoes, as well as a greater stress being placed upon their toes 
than upon those of other horses in the exertions of drawing- 
heavy loads. 

In treating; this disease, the first care must be to thorough] v 
cleanse the foot, after which the crack must be pared out 
smoothly on either side, as deep as the horny substance extends, 
thus widening the crevice so as to prevent, all friction between 
the separated parts of the wall. Pressure must be taken en- 
tirely off the toe, and a groove, as in the accompanying figure, 
should be cut into the bottom of the crust at the toe. 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



167 



Having done this, if the foot be contracted at the heel, 
pare it to a level. The toe of the foot is then in turn to be 
shortened and the heel weakened by paring ont the commissures 
between the bars and frog as much as, in the judgment of the 
farrier, the foot can safely bear. The pattern of shoe represented 
by Fig. 35 should be used upon the horses intended for draught 
purposes, the nails being placed from the front of the quarters 
back toward the heel. Clips should be used upon each side 
of the toe of the shoe, so that when placed upon the foot on each 
side of the fracture, they will prevent the foot from further ex- 
pansion, by keeping the pressure off from the toe, as shown in 
Fig. 57. The toe calkin being placed well back from the toe, 
lightens the stress at the point where the greatest weakness 
exists, and allows of an easier play to the foot when in motion. 
When the split occurs in the foot of a general business horse, 
lower the heel and shorten the toe, as much as safety will 
permit, and thin the heel of the shoe to obtain strong frog 
pressure, removing the 
pressure around the toe of 
the foot as before directed. 

Quarter Cracks — 

Quarter Cracks are longi- 
tudinal fissures in the 
hoof, occurring near the 
heels. They are gener- 
ally occasioned by im- ^^mmminis» 

, . .. Fig. 58. a side view of the foot, with 

proper shoeing, or neglect CRACK oppoglTE THE WINGg 0F THE COFFIN _ 

of the foot; or by allow- bone (A), propekly dressed and the shoe 

. t i -i ADJUSTED, THE TOE BEING ROLLED OR BEVELED, 

1112; the horse to stand on 

& AND THE HEEL PROPERLY CUT FOR THE BEAR- 

-hard floors for a length of ings at the quarter. 
time, or in the overgrowth of the crust ; or when the frog, sole and 
bars have been pared away, and the heels weakened; also by 
burning the foot in shoeing, or springing the shoe off at the heel, 




168 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




and throwing the weight 
of the horse upon the 
wings of the coffin-bone 
— the hoof becoming dry 
and brittle — are some of 
the causes which produce 
a disposition in the hoof 
to contract, which, oc- 
curring at a time when it 
is dry and inflexible, re- 
sults in its lesion or split- 
ting. In speedy horses, 
where the heels are al- 

FlG. 59. A HOOF PROPERLY SHOD FOR THE lowed tO grOW tOO high, 
CURE OF A QUARTER CRACK, THE SHOE BEING ^ ^^ 1qq - fa ^^ 

WELL BEVELED AT THE TOE, AND CUT OFF IN 

the branch , forward of the seat of lame- toughness, and becoming 
ness at A. k arc [ anc [ thickened, there 

is liability, by the re- 
peated jars of alighting on his heels in violent action, to burst 
in the quarters — the break occurring where the stress falls heav- 
iest, back of the heel, or at either or on both sides. 

In paring a foot of this kind, reduce the wall (especially at 
the heels), as much as the safety of the foot will permit. The 
next object is to remove the contractile disposition in the hoof, 
by rasping it at the quarters until an appearance of serum, after 
which open both sides of the crack with a drawing knife, so 
that friction of the fractured parts may be avoided. Then rasp 
or cut out the bottom of the crack so that no part of it may 
bear upon the shoe. After the wall has been lowered, should 
the frog project below the bottom of the foot, pare it flat. By 
so doing, the frog will be aided in growing wider, and assist 
the foot in expanding. When the cracks occur well back at the 
heels, I sometimej find it necessary to protect the weak parts 
from the violence of concussion by applving a bar shoe. Com- 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 169 

mence thinning the shoe at the centier of the quarters, and carry- 
ing it off both toward the heels and toe, having the shoe light 
and the bar good and wide, to obtain strong frog pressure. 
When the cracks occur opposite the wings of (he coffin-bone, 
level the foot and shorten the toe as much as can be conveniently 
done. If the crack occurs on one side only, use the shoe shown 
by Figs. 58 and 59, allowing for strong frog pressure. If cracks 
happen on both sides, shoe with a three-quarter tip. File or rasp 
the wall on both sides of the crack, from coronet to the ground 
surface, as thin as safety will permit. If toe and heel calkins 
are required, apply a four-calkin shoe, well rolled on the ground 
surface. If the foot be sore and tender, my foot salve may be 
used with advantage, by warming and saturating with it a pledg- 
et of cotton, and applying it to the affected parts, securing same 
with a bandage. A new growth of horn mav also be stimulated 
by keeping the hoof moist with cold-water bandages around the 
coronet. Remove the shoes every three weeks, in order to prevent 
an excessive growth of horn. By following these instructions, 
this form of disease may be easily cured and the horse regularly 
worked. 

Corns. — There are several forms in which these trouble- 
some growths manifest themselves, though their cause and loca- 
tion are generally the same. 

The seat of corns is always in the sole of the foot, or its 
lower connection with the wall and generally in the posterior 
portion of the hoof, at or in the angle made by the wall in its 
return to form the bars. 

Fig. 60, on the following page, shows, however, that corns 
do not always come in the heels. The letters, A, A, show three 
'"hard, callous corns bulging up in the inner sole, at point of frog, 
producing tenderness and lameness around the toe. 

The primary cause of all corns in the horse's foot is an un- 
even ground surface, resulting either from the improper level- 




Fig. 60. inside view of 
hoof, showing effects of 



170 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

ing of the foot by the farrier or its 
previous neglect. Let the foot always 
be pared level, and the shoe properly 
adjusted to the wall, aad corns will 
find no abiding place in feet possessed 
of these conditions. 

To determine where the seat of 
lameness is, take my foot testers (page 
317) and clasp around the union of sole 
and wall. If the horse does not flinch 
or yield, grasp the foot at point of 
dropped sole and hard f r _ g. If he yields to the pressure, thin 

CORNS. ,ii i ^ -, 

the sole at that point. On close ex- 
A, A, Seat of hard callous am i na ti n you will find a hard, callous 

corn. B, B, Coronary band. 

C, Dotted line from coronet substance, somewhat resembling the 
to ground surface at toe, hard corn on tihe human foot. Pare 

showing shallow wall due to , , , . . . 

wasting away of toe from hot tlie S ° le at tlllS P° mt <l mte thm > S0 as 

fitting and clipping. D, D, In- to allow it to spring when the horse is 

ternal fissures. E, Ridge of i • -, . . -, , ;1 r 1 . 

. , , t? w ' i * bearing his weight on the loot; this 

internal spur. F, Front face & ° ' 

of wall. will give relief at once. Apply shoe, 

Fig. 35, to the foot, and punch, nail holes in shoe to meet the 
conditions of the foot. It may be advisable to poultice the bot- 
tom until soreness is removed. 

Hard corns are protuberances growing upon the inner sole, 
at its junction with the horny laminae, and lie beneath, as well 
as at the side and rear of the foot bone. They consist of a 
hardened excrescence of the skin, which crowds it upon the sensi- 
tive surfaces, and thus become the source of much trouble and 
pain. The corn may be generated by severe contusions upon the 
inner sole, but it generally arises from a lateral compression of 
the horny hoof inward upon the sensitive parts. 

The vertical pressure of the horse's weight upon the foot 
bone is oftentimes so severe, and its winged extremities are 
pressed down upon the underlying tissues of the sensitive sole 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES., ETC. 171 

so suddenly and forcibly as to bruise them against the horny sole 
or shoe without. The bruise thus established develops the wet 
or sappy corn, which consists of an effusion of blood or serum 
into the pores of the horn, marking its location by leaving a 
Stain upon the outer sole. When the stain appears dark, and is 
easily removed by paring away, the corn is old and working out, 
but when the stain appears bright and ruddy, by penetrating 
further into the horn, the corn is new and needs attention. 
These corns may be aggravated by additional injury, and ter- 
minate in a more serious form, known as the suppurative!, in 
wlhioh case the sensitiveness will be greatly increased, causing 
intense pain, and, as a necessary consequence, acute lameness, or 
finally resulting in laying the foundation for a quitter. 

In preparing the foot for the shoe, if the horn should ex- 
hibit signs of moisture or discoloration, caused by the exudation 
of a sappy or wet corn, open the center of the part indicated, 
and gradually remove the sole, until the foreign matter is re- 
leased. The foot must next be dressed down until it acquires a 
perfectly level basis. For draft horses, let the toe be shortened 
and the heels lowered; apply a shoe with toe and heel calkins, 
the toe calkin to be set well back from the front of the shoe, as 
seen in Fig. 35, and relieve the pressure ac the heels. For horses 
of general business and road purposes, pare the foot as low down 
as safety will admit, shorten the toe, and cut the shoe off on the 
side in front of the corn, as seen in Figs. 58 and 59 ; but if the 
corn be established on both sides, shoe with a three-quarter tip, 
in order that the shoe may not come as far back as the affected 
parts. In some cases it may be advisable to use a four-calkin or 
bar shoe, as determined by the judgment of the farrier. 

Navicular Disease. — The navicular bone, from its position 
in the center of the foot, and the important protection which it 
receives from the surrounding surfaces, is seldom visited by dis- 
ease or disturbed by accident. It is protected at either end by 



172 



SCIENTIFIC HOKSESHOEING. 




A LlLU - SO j£ 

Fig. 61. hoof, showing the external char- 
acter OF NAVICULAR DISEASE. 



the wall and wings and 
cartilages of the coffin- 
hone and on its upper 
face by the lower pas- 
tern bone, and beneath, 
where lies the greatest 
possibility of accident, 
it is guarded by the 
flexor perforans, the 
plantar cushion and 
horny frog. (See Fig. 

a a -d j v j/u j. * 5j and read the anatomv 

A, A, Base or ground line over the center of ' a±±aiiAj±i±\ 

the quarters. B, B, Upper edge of the coronet, of the parts mentioned. ) 
C, C, Falling in of the hoof opposite the seat -r ,i • i . , , 

' . 5L , ., r ^,, . , . ,. In this disease the 

of disease. The white line across the hoof indi- 
cates the superfluous growth of the hoof, and flexor porforans be- 
the extent to which it should be reduced. GomQ& uleerated w]l ere 

it slides over the under 
face of the navilcuar bone (at times involving the sesamoid 
sheath in the process), and the severe pain experienced is from 
its play over the rough, diseased portion of that bone. This 
disease is sometimes inherited, but once contracted, is incurable; 
a great deal may be done, however, to ease the animal. Two- 
thirds of the cases of this malady, I believe, 
are caused by improperly dressing the foot, 
cutting the frog away, weakening the bars, 
and thinning the sole; and then driving 
over uneven roads, provoking inflammation 
of the tissues and membranes of the foot, from the hoof (Fig. 

61), ONE-HALF SIZE. 

which finally communicates itself to the 

A, Diseased portion 
bones and their attachments with one an- of bone> 

other. 

The above (Fig. 61) represents the back view of a hoof 

showing the effects of navicular disease by the shrinkage of the 

outer wall upon the living parts of the foot, immediately below 




Fig. 62. diseased na- 
vicular BONE, TAKEN 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



173 



the coronary band, crowding the cartilages in and stopping in 
a measure 'the circulation. The foot becomes dry, hard and 
feverish and the wall thick and deep. The white line across the 
heel shows where the foot should be reduced around the base. 
When the disease becomes well established, the horse manifests 
it by continual restlessness, standing on one foot and holding 
the other backward, with heel elevated and toe touching the 
ground, or by twisting the toe out and resting the heels of one 
on the coronet of the other ; and by constantly shifting and flex- 
ing the fetlock and knee. 

Not one-third of the cases of navicular disease which have 
come under my observation are chronic ; and, indeed, many cases 
which are thus wrongly termed should be considered only nav- 
icular joint lameness, which if allowed to run might become 
chronic, but are curable if taken in time. 

In dressing the foot 
for the shoe, proceed as 
per Fig. 23, then, after 
properly leveling and bal- 
ancing it, open up the 
commissures and pare out 
the sole within safe limits. 
If the frog projects 'above 
the heel, pare it flat on the 
ground tread. In most 
instances the bar shoe 
shown in Fig. 63 can be 
used with satisfactory re- 
sults. It can be easily Fig. 63. bar shoe for navicular disease. 

A, Plate welded on the shoe over the seat 
made, being of the same of navicular disease. B, Roll or bevel at the 

thickness in both branches toe. 
from the heel to the cen- 
ter of the quarters; in front of the quarters it is gradually 
thinned, and at the toe it is rolled or beveled, as indicated at B. 




174 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

After the shoe is prepared for die foot, a thin plate of steel 
must be welded on level with the face of the shoe, as represented 
at A. The plate being placed directly over the seat of the dis- 
ease, will protect the affected parts from any evil results of se- 
vere concussion. The bar thus placed must not bear upon the 
frog, as frog pressure would have a tendency to aggravate the 
disease. An open space of considerable depth must be suffered 
to exist between the plate and the foot, sufficient to permit the 
removal of dirt, etc., which may secrete itself. 

Rivet a firm piece of leather under the heels of the shoe to 
cover the bottom of the foot, which fill with my foot salve as 
prescribed. Have heel calks welded on both side branches of 
the shoe, to be about l 1 ^ inches long, tapering the shoe gradually 
from heel to toe and of good height at heel point, say % inch. 

Elevating the heels will lessen the friction on the flexor ten- 
don in its play over the diseased bone, and the 'action of the foot 
joint will be firmer. After nailing on the shoe stand the horse 
in soaking tubs of warm water-, two hours a day for a week or 
ten days, together with warm water bandages around the coro- 
net. By having the shoe rolled on 'the ground surface in front 
cf the quarters to the toe, the horse will get over the toe with 
the least possible strain on the affected parts. The shoe should 
extend as well back ait the heel as can be safely worn, and by 
this manner of shoeing much relief will be afforded. Reset the 
shoes every two or three weeks to keep down tflie surplus growth 
on ground tread. 

Raised Coronet. — This disease implies a violent alteration 
of the coronary band at the heel, consequent upon either side 
of the heel being uneven on the ground surface. This position 
of the hoof is fully shown in Fig. 64, on the opposite page. 

This complaint arises from mismanagement of the foot, and 
its continuance is owing to bad shoeing. In slight cases, when 
a horse is let run at o T ass without shoes, it will generally be 



LAMENE 5S AND DISEASES, ETC. 



175 



found sufficient to ef- 
fect a cure. In obsti- 
nate cases, however, 
or when the horse 
travels or works regu- 
larly, recourse must be 
had to a careful plan 
for dressing the foot 
and shoeing it, 




Fig. 64. back ground surface view of raised 

CORONET. 



(In dressing foot, see Diagram No. 41, p. 151). 
A, A, Line of ground surface. B, Base of 
raised heel. C, C, Difference in height of the 
sides of the heel indicated at the coronet. 
D, Inner spur twisted and deformed. 



In such cases, in 
order to restore the foot 
to its natural healthy 
state, the mode of ob- 
taining levels I have pointed out must be attended to, see Fig. 
23. The higher part of the heel is then to be reduced, but the 
strength of the foot on this side must otherwise be carefully 
preserved, that it may be sufficiently firm to make up as much 
as possible for the deficiency of the full heel. On the other 
hand the raised or twisted side must be weakened as much as 
can be conveniently done, so that it will readih yield to the 
pressure of the animal's weight; the sole and bars being carefully 
thinned, gradually lessening the paring as the toe is approached. 
The shoe which is applied should be cut off on the side where 
the crust turns up, that that part may not be exposed to any 
pressure from it. 

If the shoe is applied in the manner indicated, the nails 
being placed in the quarter of the high side, and stopped at 
the toe of the raised side, the crust on that side, it is observed, will 
be kept at a considerable distance from the ground. 

The flexibility which the horn possesses, therefore, allowing 
it to yield in a small degree whenever the horse's weight is 
thrown upon it, gradually restores the foot to its natural con- 
dition without the liability of further pain. Whenever the 
hoof appears to be too dry and hard, or to have lost its pliancy, 



170 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



it may be kept moist by applying several folds of flannel round 
the coronet constantly wetted with warm water, also by having the 
horse stand in warm soaking tubs for two or three hours a day. 

While Fig. 65 is 
introduced in order to 
illustrate the extent to 
which disease may af- 
fect a foot through any 
mismanagement, it is 
not proposed to suggest 
any cure for such an 
affection ; but rather to 
state that, by careful 
attention to the prepa- 
ration and shoeing of a 
foot, such diseases may 
be avoided. It is the 
moral of the old but 
true adage, that "an 

a a -^ J « 'a v ± i.- i i 4-14- ounce of prevention is 

A, A, Dotted line, to which surplus growth at i 

toe should be removed. B, B, Dotted line, to worth a pound of cure." 
which surplus growth at heel should be re- "Fie* 66 on the on- 

moved. C, Wall of foot. . & ' \ 1 " 

posite page, is a section 

of the preceding figure, 

through axis of leg from front to rear. The unnatural position 

of the foot is noticeable; the surplus growth at the heel has 

raised it out of position, and the decayed coffin-bone is evidently 

due to peditic degeneration. This is regarded as the very best 

illustration of this disease in print, and speaks for itself. 




Fig. 65. external appearance of hoof de- 
formed BY PEDITIS, AND OVERGROWN BY NEGLECT. 



Dished-Wheel Foot.— Fig. 67, page 178. To shoe a 
foot of this kind file or rasp the surplus growth, on the 
dished side from B to C, C. and the surplus growth at 
base from D to D. Open up the curled heel overlapping 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



177 




the cleft of the frog 
from E to E, as deeply 
as the horn extends. 
In fitting the shoe, the 
weight must be equal- 
ized through the axis 
of the leg and foot 
when placed on the 
ground, as sihown in 
Eig. 26. 

If toe and heel 
calkins are required, 
use shoe, Eig. 73, let- 
ting the toe calkin ex- FlG 66 MEDIAN SECTION 0F SAME F00T Aa 
tend over the curled Fig. 65, showing the destructive effects of 

-. . rrn i PEDITIS IN THE DISORGANIZATION OF THE LIVING 

line. I he .shoe must H _ T „ xt „ 

STRUCTURES. 

gradually widen from ^ ^ 7 _ _ ^ • , . j , .. 

& J B, B, and B, B, Dotted lines to which sur- 

quarters to heel SO as p l us growth at toe and heel should be removed. 

to cover the heel up Cj Remains of imperfect horn. D, Fragment 

of dead coffin-bone. E, Navicular bone. F, 

Close to side of frog. Lower pas tern. G, Upper pastern. H, I, J, 

Place side heel calkin Withered tendons. K, Slight insertion of flexor 

. perforans. L, Plantar cushion. M, Bulb of 

on as shown in dia- horny frog N? Base of hoof on opposit€ side< 

gram; the projecting 

toe calk and side heel calkin will serve to widen the ground 

tread on the dished side. 

The shoe must be beveled from the foot surface on the angle 
of the foot so as to assist in gaining ground tread. Forge a 
clip on the quarter shoe on curled side; the clip will hold the 
shoe firmly to the side of the foot, and as the foot grows, the 
shoe will carry the foot to the curled side. 

If flat shoes are required, use non-padding shoe, Eig. 124. 
The shoe upon curled side should have the nail holes punched 
outwardly, so as to take a short, thick hold, to avoid cramping 
the foot. Have the shoes reset every two or three weeks. If 



-UO SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

Fig. 67. back view of distorted dished The toe is lengthened and 

QUARTER AND CURLED HEEL. jj^ ^ raieed j^ g^ & way 

A, A, Center line through frog. B, B, as to t h row tne f oot out f 

Angle of dished quarter, as the foot stands, . 

55 degrees. C to C, Line denoting portion lts natural angle. This pro- 
of dished quarter to be filed or rasped duces an unnatural pressure 
off on one side, and the extension of shoe , , , 
on the other side to give proper width of at the tQe > 011 tbe g r0und 
ground tread, and make angles on both surface, and at the coronet, 

sides the same — 75 degrees. D, D, Ground 4 n , i 

v i n- ^ t, * v * « i V j j ™s preventing the action 

line to which base of hoof is to be reduced. r ° 

E, E, Curled heel overlapping center of of the secretive powers; 

cleft of frog, also showing where heel is more Qr leflfl inflammation 

to be opened with the farrier's knife as 

deeply as the curled horn extends. F, sets in and as the internal 

Horny sole deeply concaved. G, C, Shows part was tes away the outer 

distance inner quarter is curled under cen- . 

ter of foot on ground-bearing surface. wal1 conforms to the inside. 

It has heen observed that if 
the foot be allowed to remain in this condition for any length 
of time, the upper pastern becomes enlarged, which to me is 
conclusive proof that it has been overtaxed. 

Horses accustomed to slow work do not suffer from this as 
much as road and track horses. When the heel and toe are al- 
lowed to grow to an unusual height and length, the angle of the 
heel with the ground line is carried forward under the leg, thus 
causing the weight to be thrown out of the axis of the leg and 
foot; and when the horse is at full speed, the height of his heels 
prevents the natural expansion of the foot, from heel to quarters, 
at each foot fall, and he lands his foot upon the ground with a 
dead jar, like that experienced by a man walking on a wooden 
leg. This jar will not be transmitted through the axis of the 
leg, pasterns and foot bone., as would be the case if the foot were 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



179 



on its proper angle, bat up into the 
"back tendons, thus causing their 
overtaxation. 

If the hoof is pared in accord- 
ance with the indications given 
(see Tig. 68), it will stand upon 
its proper angle. All dished feet 
are thin at the point of the frog, 
where great care must be taken in 
dressing the foot to leave sufficient 



sole, and in 



shoeing 



necessity of 

from front part of foot. 



observe 
eepmg pressure 



the 

off 




Fig. 68. view of dished fr 
foot. 



A, A, Dotted line to which 
surplus growth of wall should 
be removed. B, Dotted line to 
which surplus growth of wall 
at toe should be removed. 



The weight 



Wheeled Foot. — Fig. 69, on 

the following page, is what is termed 
a wheeled hind foot, having low 
heels and high, deep toe, the reverse 
of the defect in Fig. 68. The un- 
natural growth is due to mismanagement of the foot, 
which should pass through the axis of the leg drops back of the 
heel, bearing upon the back tendons and greatly • overtaxing 
them. 

When the foot, in this case, is lifted over the toe, the weight, 
which bears upon the arch of the coffin-bone, raises the point of 
it by the overgrowth of the toe, and draws the coffin-bone back 
from the front part of the foot, thus allowing the front wall to 
thicken up as seen in the figure. 

Common sense declares against permitting a foot to re- 
main in this condition, when it can be placed upon its natural 
base. 

A reference to Fig. 69 shows where the foot ought to be 
pared in order to bring the toe to the ground, and allow the 
foot to fall more directly under the leg. This will relieve the 



180 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 69. wheeled hind foot, 

SHOWING LONG TOE AND LOW CXpCCted. 
HEEL. 

~B, H, Lines to which, surplus 
growth should be removed at 
front of foot and from toe to 



back tendon from overtaxation and 
assist nature in bringing the foot 
upon its natural angles. Pare the 
base of the hoof as shown to dotted 
line, H. File or rasp the front wall 
to dotted line, B. After the foot is 
dressed, apply shoe (Fig. 148) with 
heels extended well back of foot, 
and their height varying with the 
emergencies. If the shoe is proper- 
ly adjusted, the best results may be 



Defective Ankle Joints or 

Knuckling.— The catalogue of dis- 
heel. A, Unnatural thickness eases, defects and deformities in the 

of wall in front. £ ^ of h<)rgeg hag hj ^ ^ ^ 

reader will perceive, grown to a considerable length. In tracing 
them to their small beginnings, we find a striking instance of 
the serious results springing from the "un- 
considered trifles" of shoeing. The weak- 
ness peculiar to some horses in their hind 
ankle joints, next suggests itself. This 
troublesome affection, in many cases, arises 
from the overtaxation of the fetlock during 
coltihood, and, again, from hoofs or shoes 
having high toes and heels, or from heredi- 
tary influences. This defect is found to be 
more prevalent among speedy horses having 
long pasterns than those of any other kind. 
Short upright pasterns in conjunction with _. „ 
high heels and short toes; also improper kle joint. 

shoeing — allowing the toes to grow too long A ' A ; Lm f *° ^ hieh 
& to & ° base of hoof should be 

and low heels — will render speed- horses reduced. 




LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



181 



liable to this troublesome ailment. Hard pulling will also de- 
velop it and no horses are exempt from it where they are in a 
position to overtax the muscles and ligaments of the pastern 
and fetlock joints. Certain conformations of the foot or ankle 
region, together with improper modes of shoeing, as indicated, 
are always classed with the predisposing causes of this dis- 
ease. The weakness is generally manifested when the horse is 
traveling at a slow gait and renders him less sure footed, though 
not always attended by lameness. When driven on the level 
the upper pastern occasionally bulges forward, and going down 
hill the horse knuckles at every step, but the driver will observe 
that when going up hill the horse never knuckles. I call par- 
ticular attention to these 
poimts, as the style of shoe 
proposed for the relief of b 
knuckling is on the order 
of up-hill movement. 

It will most generally 
be found that unevenly- 
grown and unbalanced 
feet are present in condi- 
tions where knuckling ex- 
ists, and in preparing the 
foot for the reception of c B 
the shoe, the surplus 
growth should be removed 
as shown in Fig. 70, and Fl °- 7h HIND F00T SH0E T0 PEEVEKT A ™ 

° CURE KNUCKLING. 

'the foot leveled and bal- The straight bar indicates the shape of 

anced as per Fig. 23. In ^°° *"* from the sid *- A, Point from 

which shoe should be tapered to toe and 
this way the toe will be heel. B, B, Sole-bearing line. C, C, C, 

foreshortened, the heels Ground line - 

lowered, the ground tread lengthened, strong frog pressure ob- 
tained, and the fetlock or weak joints thus be made to rest more 
easily in a normal position. Fig. 71 is the shoe recommended 




182 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



for the cure of this disease, and may be easily made. A, A, on 
face indicates a point from the toe about one-third of its length 
(or two-thirds from the heels), from which the ground surface 

of the shoe is to be drawn forward to 
toe at B, and back to heels at C, C, 
leaving the high point at A, as shown 
in side bar — usually three-eighths of an 
inch, to vary with the extent of 
knuckling. The shoe should be made 
of steel, quite thin and light, that the 
horse may have his foot as near the 
ground as possible, as well as to receive 
the benefit of strong frog pressure. 
The effect of a shoe with such a ground- 
bearing surface will be to place the 
horse upon an incline, as though as- 
cending a hill, and, when in a stand- 
ing position, the upper pastern will 
keep its place in its articulation with 
the fetlock joint, and when in motion, 
the foot will be able to slide over with- 
out straining the parts affected. 

Knee Sprung. — Many indefinite 
causes have been assigned by various 
writers as the originating source of the 
condition known as "knee sprung;'' 
but, it generally appears as if the liga- 
ments and bandages of the knee had 

become strained and enlarged, in which 
Fig. 72. position of the leg ' 

when knee sprung. also the front and back sinews may 

A, A, Angle of this foot 45 become involved by overtaxation of 
degrees. B, B, Line to which ^^ , wheu the j^^ Q f t]lQ 

hoof should be reduced to its x 

normal basis. knee- joint being no longer properly 




LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 183 

retained in their places, become bulged or sprang forward. (Com- 
pare Fig. 72 with perfect knee of skeleton, Fig. 2.) 

In many cases the formation of the animal, such as undue 
length of limb from the knee to fetlock, is a natural predisposi- 
tion to weakness at knee; also, abnormal presentation at time 
of foaling where knees are doubled under the body, may produce 
a similar tendency. 

Young horses subjected to an excess of hard pulling before 
they are seasoned or matured, are most liable to injure their 
knees in this manner. Care should therefore be taken in work- 
ing them that their limbs are mof overtaxed while under the 
age of seven years. 

Horses employed in constamt "up-hill" work, where the 
stress upon the knee is continued and severe, or in suffering 
them to stand in stalls where the slope is considerable and the 
floor hard, necessitating exertion in the muscles of the leg, and 
keeping the ligaments constantly in a tense state, will expose 
them to a deformity in their knees, by their leaning or bowing 
out in consequence of the ligaments and tendons becoming 
weakened. When the proper angle of the foot is destroyed, as 
is most usually produced by improper shoeing, sucih as having 
high toes and low heels, causing the lower pastern to bear down 
upon the navicular bone, which in turn presses back against the 
flexor perforans, will produce an overdistension of the muscles; 
and similarly; sore or bruised heels will cause a constant leaning 
forward on the knees to relieve the pressure on other parts, and 
thus produce this defect; or, should the foot even be properly 
pared and the shoe then applied be thick at the toe — the heels 
of the hoof being low — the effect of always ascending would be 
the same, and result in the malformation of which we treat; or, 
if the shoe is too short — indeed any mode of shoeing that will 
unbalance the foot, may cause the knees to spring forward. 

When rthe disease becomes chronic, and the ligaments and 
tendons so much relaxed as to be no longer able to respond to 



184 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

the treatment, a radical cure may be impossible; but, if taken 
in time, and the foot properly dressed and shod, the disease can 
be cured. 

In dressing the foot for this disease, pare it level and lower 
it to its proper angle, bearing in mind the directions given in 
Chapter IV. 

The style of shoe which I have found to be best adapted 
for the relief of sore tendons and knee spring, are the scoop-toe- 
rolling motion, Fig. 126, rolling-motion shoe, Fig. 125, and four- 
calkin shoe, Fig. 101 ; having the shoe adapted to extend as far 
back at the heels as the safety of the foot may seem to require. 
This extension and elevation of the heels usually affords speedy 
relief. Either of these patterns, by shortening the ground sur- 
face at the toe and strengthening the knee when the horse is 
moving forward, will relieve the strain and enable him the bet- 
ter to pass his feet over uneven ground surface, which is some- 
times the cause of twisting and straining the already injured 
parts. Another means of furthering a cure is to feed the horse 
from the ground. This will have the effect of throwing the ani- 
mal's weight more directly over his limbs, and thus assist nature, 
in a manner, to retrench the enlargement in the knee bandages. 

Curb. — This consists of an inflammation and swelling of 
the posterior portion of the tendon passing over the calcis, or 
hock bone (p. 36, Fig. 2-39). This is often accompanied with 
considerable heat, pain and lameness. The cause is an accident 
to ligaments at and around the hock, and is the result of hard 
pulling, prancing or leaping, or galloping over uneven ground 
surfaces, etc. The peculiar conformation of some horses ren- 
ders them more likely to be attended by curbs than others; but 
as it is always the result of over-taxation, and does not admit 
of much labor in the affected part, it should be remedied as 
soon as possible. Fig. 73 shows an extreme case of curb, such 
as may come from the hind feet and legs standing too far under 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



185 





Fig. 73. hind leg, showing curd. 



Fig. 74. leg with curb ban- 
dages AND FOOT SHOD. 



the body (see p. 206, Fig. 1)4), the result of a bent or cycle hind 
leg formation. In these oases use four calkin shoe (p. 219, Pig. 
145). The heel calkins should stand higher than the toe cal- 
kins, thus placing the foot further back, and the changed posi- 
tion, together with the elevated heel, will support the leg and 
relieve the strain upon the affected weak joint. Bathe the curb 
frequently in warm water, almost hot, and bandage in four or 
five thicknesses (Fig. 74). After the inflammation has sub- 
sided, apply liniment described in Eecipe 3, page 340, for a 



186 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

week or more. If any callous remains, paint the surface with 
iodine until it disappears. 

Bone Spavin. — This disease takes its name from an en- 
largement of the inner side of the hock, creating a bony ex- 
crescence about the hock joint and resulting oftentimes in lame- 
ness. It can not be treated with uniform success, for it often 
proves very obstinate and not infrequently incurable. 

I would invariably recommend that the affected horse, after 
being shod, be placed under a most skillful and experienced 
veterinary surgeon. In many instances, special shoeing alone will 
relieve the trouble. The shoe I have found to be the mosit satis- 
factory and disposed to give ease and comfort is the four-calked 
hind-foot shoe (p. 255, Fig. 145). It is obvious there can not 
be two cases of spavin similar. A four-calked hind-foot shoe, 
therefore, designed for any one case, will not be effective in an- 
other. Every case must have its own diagnosis, and thereupon 
the paring of the foot and the making and setting of the shoe 
must be determined, bearing in mind always the balancing of 
the foot. But, as I say above, the shoe most satisfactory all 
around, to give ease and comfort, is the four-calked hind-foot 
shoe, as above described, with the toe and heel calkins placed 
to suit the case in hand. I very often have found it advisable 
to place the inside toe calkin back from the center of toe of 
shoe fully three-quarters to an inch farther than (the outside 
toe calkin, making the inside toe calkin one-quarter of an inch 
lower and the outside toe calkin one-quarter of an inch higher. 
Bevel the front toe calkin as shown in diagram above men- 
tioned, so as to allow the toe to roll over more easily in the for- 
ward movement. Having the outside heel and toe calkins higher 
than the inside heel and toe calkins will cause the weight to fall 
upon the outside of the hock joint, and in many oases the result 
will be surprising. 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 187 

Bog Spavin. — Is a dropsical condition of the joint, which 
becomes so either from a loss of power in the absorbent vessels, 
or an increased action of the sacs which secrete the joint oil. 
Perhaps both these causes may concur in producing the disease, 
the more remote cause of which is hard work — that is, too great 
or too long continued action of -the joint. 

The bog spavin does not so often occasion lameness as the 
other, except when a horse is worked hard, which generally 
causes a temporary lameness, removable by rest; but it does 
not always admit of a radical cure, for though blistering is of 
likely service, the trouble generally returns with any consider- 
able exertion. Much may be done, however, to assist the horse 
in his movements, by properly balancing the foot and suitably 
adjusting the four-calked hind-foot shoe above described, shown 
in Fig. 145, page 255. 

Canker. — 'This is a local disease most frequently arising 
from the thrush, and attacking the front feet. It consists, at 
first, of an ulcerous sore in cleft of frog, when the inflammation 
of the parts is severe and they are quite tender — often making 
the horse quite lame. The parts affected become very soft and 
rotten, with a discharge of purulent matter. By early attention 
and proper treatment the disease is easily cured, but if it con- 
tinues it si ravages it not infrequently destroys the horny frog 
and often extends to the sensitive sole and other parts of the 
foot. The simplest treatment I have found to be the quickest 
and the best: First, dress the foot, as per Fig. 23, then take 
three or four old rasps, sharpen one end of each and heat to a 
white heat, and while in that state apply to cankered part of 
frog, holding the iron at an angle of about 45 degrees, and giv- 
ing it a quick downward stroke along the side of frog from 
upper edge down and forward, and continuing with the other 
heated irons until bottom of soreness is reached and burnt away. 



188 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

Sometimes tins disease attacks the inner and outer quarters, and 
I have operated on chronic oases where excrescences had been 
thrown up over the diseased parts like finger stumps, standing 
out from one-fourth to three-fourths inches, and by this burning 
process have permanently cured them. Give the horse a hot 
water foot bath for three hours after burning, and as the open 
state of cells of foot after these operations develops granulations 
very rapidly, this burning and soaking treatment must be kept 
up daily until entirely cured. This treatment is not as severe 
or painful as it appears, as the horse does not jerk away under 
it. Do not poultice the foot, but let it remain open, and keep 
the horse quiet in a dry stall. 

Foot Rot, Or Seedy Toe. — 'This insidious disease occurs 
sometimes in the toe, and at other times around /the inner or 
outer quarters of the foot. It manifests itself by a wasting 
away or drying up of the sensitive laminae, and in slight attacks 
may be easily cured, as the horse seemingly does not at once go 
lame, seemingly requiring some little time to develop into a 
condition of lameness. When it becomes aggravated, however, 
and involves toe and quarters, it is disabling, and requires care- 
ful treatment, I have treated some very stubborn cases, where 
a complete separation of wall and vascular parts had taken 
place, extending almost from ground surface to coronet, and 
where only one and a hall to two inches of solid horn re- 
mained. In such cases I removed all the separated parts of the 
wall as far as the disease extended, fairly uncovering the coffin- 
bone. I then made a wide webbed, deeply concave shoe to 
cover around toe and quarters ; thence gradually narrowing it 
to the heels, with a good wide bar across to get strong frog 
pressure ; three nail holes to be placed on each side at the heels. 
Next I pulled a clip on each side of the quarters and at front 
toe, making the clips very long, bent up art the same angle as 



LAMI.-NlflSS AND DISEASES, ETC. 189 

the wall, fitting shoe snug all around, with a light leather riveted 
on to hold the packing of salve (prescription No. 2, p. 338), with 
which the bottom of foot should be filled. After the shoe is on, 
take enough of same salve warmed and build on outside of foot 
about to the f hickness of natural hoof, covering the surface to 
at least one inch above coronet ; then encase same within a 
leather strap or boot, fitting neatly around foot from shoe to 
one and a half inches above coronet, slip the leather down inside 
the clips running back under the bulge of the heels, buckle on 
the outside, then gently drive tlhe clips in toward the foot to 
make secure hold against the leather; also have small screw 
holes drilled through the clips, about one-half inch above shoe, 
and insert screws to assist in holding the leather firmly to bot- 
tom of foot. After dressing in this way have the foot soaked 
in warm water two hours a day; this, with the salve, will assist 
the formation of new horn and effect a permanent cure. 
Horses that I have treated in this way have not only grown 
new, strong hoofs, but were at the same time used daily at slow 
work. 

In ordinary cases of seedy toe, level the foot, as per. Fig. 
23, then with a probe or sharp instrument remove all pithy, de- 
cayed substances as deep as they extend, being careful not to 
draw blood. Fit shoe snugly to foot, draw up clips on shoe op- 
posite the separated parts to secure a firm brace against the 
weakened wall when weight of horse is resting on it; have as 
many clips as may be necessary for this purpose. After shoe is 
fitted, remove the lower margin of hoof so that no pressure 
can come upon the separated parts, and have the nails located 
to go in the sound, healthy portions of the horn. Before at- 
taching shoe use the salve treatment as directed for the more 
severe cases. 

The subject of seedy toe would not be complete if the ac- 
companying illustration should be omitted. It is an admir- 



190 



SCIENTIFIC IIOESESHOEIXG, 




Fig. 75. hoof, with seedy toe — shod. 
A, A, Clips on shoe. B, diseased portion. 
C, C, C, Sound hoof. 



able side view, showing 
a chronic case of foot 
rot, caused by the ex- 
cessive wasting away of 
the sensitive laminae on 
that side of the hoof, 
either by inflammation 
produced by a blow, or 
by- undue dryness of the 
hoof. The disease of 
the sensitive laminae 
extends as high as the 
sound hoof outlined by 
fthe letters C, C, C. B 
indicates the diseased 
portions contiguous to the 
coffin-bone, and A, A, 
the necessary clips drawn 
upon the shoe, as spe- 
cifically explained in the 
preceding paragraph. 




Fig. 76. section of hoof affected with 
seedy toe. 

A, A, Insensitive laminae. B, B, Outer 
wall. C, C, Wall separated from laminae. D, 
Bulging or dishing effect of separation. E, 
Wall removed opposite separation. F, F, In- 
sensitive sole. G. Frog. 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 191 

Broken Bars. — This -ailment is the result of an over- 
growth of the sole and consequent dryness of the insensitive 
sole. The secretions become dry and hard, the bars unyielding 
and do not spring as the horse rests his weight upon the foot. 
This causes the bars to give way and break, making the horse 
very lame. If not properly' treated, this disease often assumes 
a more serious form, difficult to cure, even in time; and if neg- 
lected its ravages will soon destroy the usefulness of the 
horse. 

Tlhe process of treatment I use is to pare the foot, leaving 
a good, wide outer wall-bearing. Then commence at each side 
of the point of the frog and pare the commissures thin from 
point of frog back to the heels on the inner and outer sides of 
the foot; then remove all the bars and sole as deep as the soft 
tissues or broken bars, holding the knife at an angle of about 
45 degrees, paring the sole and bars quite thin. The broken 
ends of the bars must be removed with the knife as deeply as 
they extend up into the foot. See that the foot is properly bal- 
anced, and then make and put on a suitable shoe for the work 
the horse has to perform. Place a piece of sole leather first 
under the shoe, covering the bottom of the foot. Rivet the 
sole leather at the heels of the shoe, trimming the leather to fit 
snugly to outside of shoe. Next hold up the foot, and fill the 
bottom with my foot salve (Recipe Eo. 2). After the salve has 
become cool, lay a thin layer of white cotton over the bottom 
of the foot, covering the salve, and nail on the shoe. The salve 
will exclude the air from the affected parts, the leather will pro- 
tect the bottom of the foot and hold the salve in its place. Finally 
stand the horse in the soaking tub for at least one or two hours 
in warm water. The effect of the soaking tub will be to open 
the pores of the wall, and assist nature in casting off the inflam- 
mation. If the foot should show signs of fever around the coro- 
net band, keep the soaking swabs well wet with warm water, and 
see that thev are well buckled around the lower pasterns. Keep 



192 



SCIE^ TIEIC HORSESHOEING. 



the swabs on pastern and around the foot as long as there is 
fever around the coronet band. By following the above instruc- 
tions I have never failed to make a permanent cure in feet affected 
with broken bars. This operation must be performed by a com- 
petent and skillful farrier. 

Lameness and Diseases of the Foot.— One of the most 

common, yet painful disorders of the foot, is a separated wall 

at the coronet, which may 
result from any sharp in- 
strument, such as a wire 
fence, the calkin of the 
opposite shoe, or a raised 
clinch of the nail. This 
may result in a fissure or 
crack in the wall, which 
will become permanent as 
the wall grows down, or 
it may cause a wide sepa- 
ration at the coronet. 

The treatment should 
never involve the paring 
away the wall at the coro- 
net, but on the contrary, 
at the ground surface of 
the wall immediately be- 
low the injury, as shown 
in Fig. 77. Then place 
the shoe on the foot, having four or more nail holes immediately 
below the ground surface thus pared away, and draw them up 
gradually — 'first tapping one, then another — till the wall is 
drawn down to the shoe, and the pressure at the coronet is 
relieved. In order to do this effectively, the hoof should be 
softened by standing in warm water a sufficient length of time. 




Fig. 77. 



LAMENESS AND DISEASESj ETC. 



193 



If there is any foreign or detached substance in the wound it 
should be cleansed with warm water injected, or the wash num- 
bered 4, on page 340. 

When the wound has been thus thoroughly dressed, then 
apply the salve described in Kecipe No. 2, on page 338. Use \ 
surgeon's cotton, saturated with the heated salve, large enough 
to cover the wound and the skin of the coronet above. Then 
retain the cotton dressing by applying a linen bandage. Then 
apply the iron heated, but not so hot as to burn the bandage, 
and close enough to open the pores. The inflammation will 
pass off through the pores, and the salve will stimulate a 
healthy growth. 

In treating draft horses, have the toe well set back on the 
shoe, provided with a 
side heel calkin on the 
affected side. The 
dressing should be con- 
tinued as prescribed for 
ten days, and the 
wound will slowly yet 
effectually heal. 

There are many in- 
stances in which it is 
not advisable to weak- 
en the foot by tub 
baths, especially where 
the inflammation is 
confined to the coro- 
nary band. An admir- 
able substitute is found 
in the felt swab shown 
in Fig. 78, well satu- 
rated in warm water 
and buckled around the 




Fig. 78. 



HEALTHY FOOT COVERED BY FELT 
SWAB. 



A, Swab buckled around pastern. 



194 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 79. felt swab. 

C, C, Inside of swab. B, B, Strap and 
buckle. 



hoof, extending above the 
coronet. This is espe- 
cially valuable in hot, dry 
weather, when the hoof 
loses the moisture from 
the ground and becomes 
brittle and hard. The 
swab can be made of 
thick felt, after the pat- 
tern shown in Fig. 79. 



Abnormal Feet. — Before making an examination of faulty 
limbs, it is proper to present the subject of abnormal feet. The 
foot is in perfect poise when it is level and balanced, the heels 
being of the same height, so that the horse lands upon both 
alike, and springs from a level toe, after he has rolled over quar- 
ters of the same hight. The 
heels musft not be too high, nor 
the toe too long, nor the hoof 
out of proportion at the sides, 
taking the median line of the 
left of the frog as the basis 
of measurement 

Fig. 80 represents a per- 
fect front foot. It is placed 
properly under the carcass. 
The vertical line, A, A, passes 
down through the axis of the 
cannon bone, and reaches the 
ground at the posterior angle 
of the wall and bar. The line 
B B intersects the line A A -^ on 

llG. 80. PERFECT FRONT FOOT. 

at the center of the ankle , . . ,. , , _ 

A, A, Axial line of leg. B. B, 

joint, and passes through the Axial line through coffin bone. 




LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



195 



axis of the coffin bone to 
the ground, which indi- 
cates the perfect poise of 
the coffin bone when the 
foot is at rest. This 
is the crucial test of a 
foot both level and bal- 
anced. If the coffin bone 
is out of position with 
reference to the median 
line, B, B, the entire foot 
and limb are out of bal- 
ance. The journals of 
the joints at the ankle 
and knee do not articu- 
late in equilibrio, and the 
tendons and ligaments are 
unduly taxed or relieved, 
dependent upon which 
side of the hoof bears an 
undue strain. The ac- 
companying drawings will illustrate this point. Fig. 81 shows 
the proper position. Fig. 86, with the vertical dropping through 
the apex of hoof, is the reproduction of a perfect coffin bone, 
photographed from nature. The line of pressure was thrown 
back from its correct vertical position by an undue length 
and height of the wall at the toe (see Fig. 82). The reverse 
result is obtained by an excessive height of the heel, as shown 
in Fig. 85. In the one instance a preponderance of the weight 
is thrown upon the flexors, and in the other upon the extensors; 
and in both cases depriving the bone structure of the limb of 
its primary function of being the organic weight bearer. 

The practical result of thus placing the foot out of line 
with reference to the vertical position of the cannon bone, and 




Fig. 81. coffin bone. 
Lateral view — correct positio: 



196 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 82. high toe. 
Defective results shown by lines B, B 
and D, D. 



passes through, the axis of the 
cannon bone reaches the ground 
at an appreciable distance back 
of the heel, thus showing the 
entire foot and limb are thrown 
forward out of their proper posi- 
tion. Moreover, the inclination 
of the pastern joint is enormously 
increased, as shown by the line 
D, D, whereas the proper in- 
clination is shown by the line 
B, B. Now, if the toe is low- 
ered the distance marked C, C, it 
is apparent that the vertical line 
A, A, will be thrown forward till 
it will pass through the axis of 



the proper inclination of 
the pastern joint, is pre- 
cisely the reverse of what 
is the general conclusion 
of the average horseman. 
For instance, an abnor- 
mal high toe invariably 
pitches the foot and limb 
forward, and an extra 
high heel (Fig. 85) has 
the opposite result. This 
is plainly shown in Fig. 
84. By elevating the toe 
the vertical line that 




Fig. 83. coffin bone, same defect. 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



197 



The 



the ankle joint and touch the heel at the groun 1 surface, 
foot will then resume its normal 
position, by standing further 
back directly under the limb. 
This investigation is so 
important in its practical re- 
sults that the converse effect 
of excessive height of the 
heels is illustrated in this con- 
nection. Fig. 84 shows this 
defect in dressing the hoof for 
the shoe. The vertical line of 
pressure, A, A, is thrown for- 
ward beyond the axis of the 



Fig. 84. shows defect caused by 
too high heels. 



cannon bone, so that it 





Fig. 85. coffin bone, same defect. 



reaches the ground far in 
advance of the angle of the 
heel. The inclination of the 
pastern is made more up- 
right, as shown by the line 
I), D, instead of preserving 
its normal position as indi- 
cated by the line B, B. If 
the heels are lowered the 
distance indicated by the 
line C, C, the foot will be 
changed to the correct po- 
sition indicated by E, E, 
and all the bones, joints, 



198 



SCIENTIFIC HOESESHOEING. 




Fig. 86. 



COFFIN-BONE- 
IN LINE. 



-VERTICAL 




Fig. 



COFFIN-BONE- 
OUT OF LINE. 



VERTICAL 



Fig. 86 is a photograph of a perfect coffin-bone, exactly level on sole bear- 
ing, with the flexor tendon cut off even with B, the navicular bone. In a 
well-balanced foot the vertical dropped from the center of the knee passes 
through the center of the apex of the coffin-bone. 

Fig. 87 is a photograph of a perfect coffin-bone, showing the effects of an 
uneven height of quarters. Assuming width of hoof 4 inches on the bottom, 
distance from base to knee 20 inches, difference of height in quarters of i inch 
would cause a displacement of 11 inches at the knee, thus unevenly distrib- 
uting the weight and bearings. 

tendons and ligaments will operate in structural har- 
mony. 

We are now prepared to advance to the consideration of 
the foot and leg in their proper positions as weight bearers. 

Fig. 88 has been drawn with great care to show the perfect 
front limb and foot. It is correctly placed under the carcass, so 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



199 





Fig. 88. perfect front 
limb and foot. 



Fig. 89. 



FRONT LIMB AND FOOT POINTING FOR- 
WARD — HIGH TOE. 



that the bone structure from the shoulder to the ground surface 
shall bear its exact proportion of the body, and enable all the 
complex actions of the joints, tendons and ligaments to operate 
with the greatest ease, precision and effect. 

Fig. 89 shows the limb and foot pointing forward, by reason 
of the causes heretofore explained. The invariable result of 
this faulty position is soreness at the point of the frog. To re- 
lieve this painful ailment, the toe should be lowered and the 
wall relieved at the toe, so that no bearing will be placed upon 
the shoe, at least the thickness of a No. 5 horseshoe nail around 
the forward arch of the hoof, and the two toe nails be left out* 
This will give almost instant relief. 



200 



SCIENTIFIC HOESESHOEING. 




The opposite 
result, from an ex- 
cessive height of 
heel, is exempli- 
fied in Fig. 90. 
The trouble, after 
a careful examina- 
tion, will invaria- 
bly be located in 
the heel and the 
flexor tendon. 
Gentle pressure or 
slight blows will 
indicate the sore 
spot. The hard, 
unyielding sole at 
, the point of pain 
should be re- 
moved and the 
inflammation re- 
duced by standing 
the foot and limb in a bath of tepid water. The hospital shoe 
to prevent lameness, if the horse is needed for immediate use, 
can be selected from several approved patterns. It may be 
necessary to cover the sole of the foot for the first shoeing with 
protecting leather. When this is done the best shoe to use is 
the bar, as shown on page 239. As a remedial shoe it can be 
improved by welding on oblong heel calkins, and a long toe 
calkin set back from the outer web of the shoe in front. If an 
open shoe is preferred, the four-calkin shoe illustrated on page 
219 (Fig. 101) will answer the purpose. In case the lameness 
is severe, the leather covering may be supplied with a packing 
to keep the sole of the foot from becoming hard and dry. In 
that event, my experience has demonstrated the benefit of using 



Fig. 90. front limb and foot, 
pointing backward. 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



201 



fat pickled pork, just out of the brine, cut in long, thin slices 
and pressed well into the sore spot and into the commissures. 
The inflammation will be relieved if the foot, when thus packed, 
is placed in warm water for at least two hours, keeping up the 
temperature as hot as the hand can bear. 

If speed is required while the horse is under treatment, the 
rolling motion shoe (Fig. 125), on page 241, may be used; or, 
if the action is already too high, the scoop-toe shoe (Fig. 121, 
page 238) can be substituted. 

When the weight is thrown, by reason of a too high or long 
toe, unduly upon the flexor 
tendon, the result in violent 
action shows itself in either 
an inflamed flexor tendon 
or a complete let-down. In 
the latter case the usefulness 
of the horse is at an end, 
but in the former, remedial 
treatment, accompanied with 
absolute rest, insures a per- 
fect cure. The tendon bows 
out as shown in Fig. 91. 
The foot should be dressed 
as shown in the illustration, 
and a prepared surgeon's 
bandage, wrung out in witch 
hazel, applied as therein 
shown, after the limb has 
been thoroughly bathed in 
the same preparation. 

After the leg has thus 
been bandaged moderately 
tight, the foot should be 
shod with the four-calkin 




Fig. 91. 



FOOT PKOPEKLY PARED BEFORE 
BEING SHOD. 



202 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

shoe as illustrated in Fig. 101, page 219. The heel calkins 
should be higher than the toe calkins. This will throw the 
weight forward upon the cannon hones and relieve the flexor 
tendons till the inflammation subsides. When this is accom- 
plished the witch hazel may be discontinued, and the more 



Fig. 92. foot after being bandaged and shod. 

stimulating liniment described on page 340, Recipe 3, can be 
substituted. The liniment can be alternated with the bandage, 
each being applied every other day for ten days, when nature 
will complete the cure. 

It may be useful to describe a proper soaking tub. Such a 
vessel is shown in Fig. 93. It should be made of hard wood, 



LAMENESS AND DISEASES, ETC. 



203 



about twenty inches in height and width, with a strong bottom 
sufficient to. stand the pressure of the heaviest draught horse. 
When the treatment is for inflamed tendons, the warm water 
should be at least sixteen inches in depth, while five or six 
inches of water is sufficient for the ordinary foot bath, 




Fig. 93. soaking tub. 



201- SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



CHAPTER VIII. 
FAULTS OP STRUCTURE AND ACTION. 

REGULATED OR RESTRICTED BY SHOEING. 

A large percentage of the horses has feet or legs which 
are not perfect in conformation, and as a consequence of these 
imperfections they are especially predisposed to certain injuries 
and diseases, as well as to manifest discordance of action — un- 
desirable in itself and unpleasant in its effects according to the 
rapidity of motion in different gaits. Much may be learned 
from careful observation of the action of an evenly-balanced 
horse, as a standard by which to compare and determine that 
which is defective or undesirable in figure and gait, as previously 
indicated in Chapters I and Y. 

After examining the gait at which the horse moves, as 
pointed out, carefully study the poise of the legs and feet when 
at rest. The weak points of a horse's conformation can be bet- 
ter discovered while standing than while moving. If he is sound 
he will stand firmly and squarely on his limbs without moving 
them, with legs plump and naturally and equally poised ; or if 
the foot is taken from the ground and the weight taken from it, 
disease may be suspected or at least tenderness, which is the 
precursor of disease. If the horse stands with his feet spread 
apart, or straddles with his hind legs, there is a weakness in the 
loins and the kidneys are disordered. Heavy pulling bends the 
knees. A kicking horse is apt to have scarred legs ; a stumbling 
horse has blemished knees, etc. 

Never buy a horse in harness. Unhitch him and take every 
thing off but his halter and lead him around. If he has a corn 
or is stiff, or has any other failing, you can see it. Let him go 



FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 205 

by himself aways. Back him too. Some horses show their 
weakness or tricks in that way when they do n't in any other. 

The vital part of a horse, as far as his value is concerned, is 
the foot, for it is only as an organized locomotive machine that 
the horse is practically the most valuable companion to man. 
Hence without good feet and supple, muscular legs he would be 
of small value, either for work or speed, and the rational care 
of these underlies all else in the equine economy, as any impair- 
ment of them is a matter of extreme gravity and apprehension. 

It is difficult, indeed, to understand how the feet and legs 
of horses stand the wear and tear of work in our great cities, 
where every step of their iron-shod hoofs is upon a hard, un- 
yielding road; and where, even at rest in their stables, they are, 
in a majority of cases, condemned to stand upon hard floors. 
There is no other creature living — save and excepting the don- 
key or mule — which can long bear the constant battering en- 
tailed by rapid locomotion over a paved surface. But if we 
look at the structure of the horse's foot (Figs. 3 to 15) we see 
how it is that the jar and vibration do not injure them more — 
severe as it is known to be. He is in fact mounted on springs, 
and it is not surprising that the intricate apparatus of locomo- 
tion, with its symmetry of movement and the perfection of its 
details, should be admiringly termed "a living machine." 

In the language of another : " His very muscles appear at 
every motion, not soft and flabby, but firm and distinct. His 
veins, like rivulets, run in an infinite number of meanders, 
his limbs are clean, nervous, durable and ready at every call — 
and of all creatures he seems to approach nearest man, both for 
beauty, majesty and sagacity, and his services are likewise the 
most noble and excellent." 

The drawings on the following pages fairly illustrate the dif- 
ference between well-formed and malformed legs, and good and 
faulty standing positions. A comparison of these may enable the 
reader to judge for himself as to what is the best position, and 



20G 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




1. Too straight. 2. Too much bent. 3. Too far behind 

Fig. 94. faulty positions of hind legs, side view. 

what condition or malformation of the legs causes deviation 
therefrom. It must be borne in mind, however, that experience 
is the best and only teacher in matters of this kind, and that all 
I can attempt within the limits of this branch of my subject, 
is to set the reader on the right track ; the rest depends upon 
himself. 

The character and position of the hock has much to do with 
the standing position of the rear part of the horse, and the 
numerous faulty positions in which we show this is conclusive 
on this point. The qualities of a good hock are that it should 
be clear, rigid, and well defined, without puffiness or swelling ; 
the bones should be large and prominent, and viewed from the 
side should appear wide above and below. They should be 
neither straight nor overbent. There is also a relative value to 
be attached to hocks malformed or apparently differing from 
those laid down. Horses with defective hocks may be good 
for one sort of work and unsuited to another. As for instance. 



FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 



20' 



hocks that will not stand violent exertions may endure for years 
in quiet work ; but these are exceptions, and the rule stands 
good as before. 

Comparing Figs. 1, 2, 3 (page 206), and 4 and 5 (page 207), 
we recognize some broad distinctions. 

In Fig. 1, the hock is too straight. The legs in this posi- 
tion are subject to spavin and thorough-pin. 

In Fig. 2, the hock is overbent and we may look for curb. 

In Fig. 3, the leg is too far behind ; and, therefore, does not 
afford the horse sufficient propelling power. 

In Fig. 4, the hocks stand in and the toes stand out ; and 
in Fig. 5, the hocks stand out and the toes stand in. 

In contrast to the foregoing, Figs. 6 and 7 (page 208), rep- 
resent the usually recommended position and what is considered 
the best position ; and in connection herewith the reader is re- 
spectfully referred again to Fig. 1, illustrating the model horse, 
according to my 64 years' experience and observation. 





4. Hocks too close. 5. Hocks too open. 

Fig. 95. faulty position of hind legs, back view. 



208 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING, 





6. Position usually recommended. 7. Best position. 

Fig. 96. good position of hind legs. 



Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 11 
represent faulty positions of 
the fore legs. In Fig. 8, 
the elbow stands out and the 
toes stand in, commonly 
called " pigeon toes." In 
Fig. 9, the elbows stand in 
and the toes stand out, caus- 
ing the knees to spring to- 
gether. 

In Fig. 10, on the 
209 th page, we have a side 
view of what is termed a 

'Pigeon-toed." 9. Knock-kneed. " calf leg," in this the Vei'ti- 

Fig. 97. faulty positions of fore legs. C al line from the should- 
er through the axis will pass outside of and at a distance from 




FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT, 



209 




10. Calf leg. 11. Feet too close. 

Fig. 98. faulty positions of fore 

LEGS. 



the wings of the heels. This, as 
will be seen upon reference 
thereto, varies much from the 
requirements of a perfect horse. 
Such a position does not denote 
speed, but is not objectionable in 
a draft horse. In Fig. 11, the 
feet stand too closely together on 
the ground ; a position not recom- 
mended in a good horse. 

Finally, in contrast with 
these faulty positions of the fore- 
legs, we show front and side views 
of them, in which the points 
favorable in a perfect horse are all 
noticeable. In the side view, the 
foot is well under the leg, and the axis of the bones of the leg 
are all in line, as indicated 
by the vertical dotted line 
that drops from point of 
shoulder to foot, and the 
foot stands upon its proper 
angle. 

In the front view the 
conditions still remain the 
same. The shoulders are 
prominent, strong and well- 
set back, the fore arm is 
muscular, the fore leg tap- 
ered from elbow to foot, and 
the dotted line, in the ver- 
tical, passes directly through 
the axis of each leg and foot. 




1 a 



12. Side. 
Fig. 99. 



13. Front. 
VIEWS OF PERFECT LEGS. 



210 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

Care of the Foot from Oolthood. — I have often read and 
heard the statements of many authorities to the effect that the 
inside quarters of the horse's foot were weaker than the out- 
side quarters ; but from personal observation and practical 
knowledge, I can safely say that those statements are true only 
in cases of disproportionate build or where the foot has become 
altered or affected by mismanagement or improper shoeing. 
In a perfect, healthful foot, such as is shown in Fig. 24, 
however, the different parts are, without exception, symmetrical. 

And that I might satisfy myself fully in this regard, I have 
for many years visited the fertilizing factories, and with a com- 
pass have closely examined thousands of green specimens after 
they were stripped, and measured them from the center of 
fissures to the union of the inner wall and floor of sole on both 
sides from quarters back to heels, and never found an instance 
of a healthful foot where the difference exceeded the sixteenth 
of an inch. ~Nor even when the outer wall has grown more 
luxuriantly upon one side than the other, have I ever found 
any perceptible difference in the inner part of the foot. I have 
also closely examined with calipers the wall upon both quarters 
of feet which never had been shod or tampered with, from the 
center of the back through the quarters to the heels, and never 
found any variation in the thickness. And I have gone still 
further to satisfy myself upon this point. I have repeated vis- 
ited stock farms containing fifty or seventy-five horses and colts, 
whose feet never have been shod or tampered with, and upon 
careful inspection have found that the one-sided growth was due 
to the comparative length of the neck and legs. If the legs 
were short and the neck long, the feet would be straight ; that 
is, if the horse was perfectly built, the legs and neck propor- 
tional, the feet were always straight in front and the growth of 
the foot symmetrical. If the legs were long and the neck short, 
the growth was more luxuriant upon the outside quarters. In 
some instances where the points of the shoulder were wide and 



FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 211 

the legs inclined inward, their feet would stand closely together 
and the growth was greater on the inside than on the outside 
quarter ; or vice versa, if the points of the shoulder were nar- 
row, the horse knock-kneed, and the feet apart, the growth 
would be larger on the outer than inner quarter. 

And in fact the variation in growth at quarters may exist to 
a great degree. In all my measurements of the wall from the 
inner floors of the foot to the coronet, I did not find the quar- 
ters vary in thickness one from the other. When the old cus- 
tom existed of making shoes rights and lefts, the inner quar- 
ter was made straighter than the outer, and even up to the 
present day the unskillful farrier, in fitting shoes, files and rasps 
the inner quarter straighter than the outer, to make the hoof 
agree with the shoe. 

After all these examinations, I came to the conclusion that 
there was no right or left to the foot ; that what will fit one foot 
will fit its mate. If the horse does not travel squarely on his 
feet, search out the cause and you will find my statements true. 
It is only the skillful farrier who can adjust shoes to correct 
malformations ; the hind feet differ in shape from the fore feet ; 
and it requires more good judgment to shoe the front than the 
hind feet, to keep the horse squarely upon his feet. 

In conclusion, I desire to add briefly, in the light of the 
above facts, that in order to have perfect horses, the feet should 
be kept level and straight in colthood. The surplus growth 
should be pared and removed at least four times a year, and 
oftener, if necessary. For, if the feet be left to grow in a faulty 
position up to maturity, we may expect imperfect feet or legs. 
Almost any imperfect foot or leg, if treated in colthood, can be 
straightened ; but if it be neglected to the age of six or seven 
years, it is then too late. A great deal, however, can be done to 
assist nature in restoring the malformation ; and it is not to be 
denied that the usefulness of the horse depends upon good, solid 
feet and legs. 



212 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

Splay Foot— Knee Hitting.— The term "splay foot" is 
applied to horses that point or spread their toes outward. This 
condition may arise from either one of two causes : first, from a 
fault of conformation, which may he discovered by an examina- 
tion of the limb from the foot to the shoulder. If the toe turns 
out and the upper arm stands in close to the body, the malform- 
ation is in the " splayed " condition of the upper arm or shoulder 
joint. When this is the case there is no remedy to be found in 
any proposed style of shoeing, for the foot can not be pared to 
bring it straight in line with the median plane of the body with- 
out violently wrenching or twisting the jointed process of the 
shoulder and forearm. 

Second, The cause may be referred to mismanagement or 
improper shoeing of the foot. In this case the arm may be 
normal and the fault confined to the ankle and foot — the pastern 
inclined inward and the toe of the foot turned outward. An 
examination of the hoof under these circumstances will revea] 
that the splayed appearance does not exist in the condition of 
the limb, and is therefore not real, but is due to an unbalanced 
foot — the outside of the splay foot being too high at the toe. 
This defect can then be remedied and the foot straightened in 
line with the normal axis of the leg by proper attention in 
shoeing. 

Sometimes this deformity is visible only in one limb, while 
its counterpart may be perfectly straight. An instance of this 
kind that came under my observation was the case of the once 
noted trotter, " Jo Bunker." One of his fore limbs curved in- 
ward very noticeably, with the foot splayed or turned outward, 
but the other limb was straight and true to the line of normal 
movement. 

When at rest splay-footed horses always stand with their 
front feet slanting, wide apart, with toes out and heels in ; and 
from this fact it is apparent that the higher the outside toe is, 
the farther and wider will the feet point. The longer, too, that 



FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 213 

a horse is allowed to remain in this condition, the more difficult 
it will be to remedy it, but much may be done in most cases to 
bring the feet to a correct bearing by timely methods of shoe- 
ing. Splay-footed horses are usually liable to strike or cut their 
knees, hence, in undertaking to shoe them for the prevention of 
this trouble, first examine the position of both fore and hind 
limbs as they stand on a level floor, and note how they are dis • 
posed. Every splay-footed, knee-hitting horse places his front 
feet with the outside margin of the toe first in contact with the 
ground, with a twist to the inside heel as it drops. The outside 
toe being the high point of the foot and standing out of the 
rectilinear way of movement, the knee of that limb can not 
swing out far enough to clear the other in passing. The con- 
trolling power of the muscles is exercised at the ground resist- 
ance, and if the foot leaves the ground straight it will be carried 
straight, but if it inclines to wind or dip in or out, the position 
of the foot on the ground will indicate when it is not in line 
with the normal axis of the limb. 

To overcome knee-hitting in splay-footed horses, the direc- 
tions for leveling and balancing the foot, as per Fig. 23, Chapter 
IV, must be observed. If there is a dished-in of the outside 
quarter and toe, rasp or file it to a line from ground to coronet, 
as shown in Figs. 17 and 18. Then, if more length is required 
for the ground surface, let the shoe extend over the front part 
of the hoof to meet the necessities of the case. The more the 
foot winds or twists the greater the projection of shoe must be 
over outside toe. 

Fig. 100, on the following page, represents the pattern of 
shoe designed for extreme cases of knee hitting, and shows ex- 
tension of web over the rim of outside toe to prevent the inward 
dipping of the foot as it leaves the ground, that carries it over 
against the opposite limb in motion. Where the inside base of 
the hoof can not be pared from toe to heel to bring the foot in 
line with normal center of limb, carefully observe if pastern 



214 



SCIENTIFIC IIOIISESIIOELN'G. 




Fig. 100. front foot shoe (ground sur- 
face) FOR SPLAY-FOOTED AND CHRONIC 
KNEE-HITTING HORSES. 



still inclines inward, and if 
so, it must be made to con- 
form to the right front line 
bj building up the inside 
heel with a strip of sole 
leather inserted under the 
shoe, gradually tapering it 
off from the heel to a thin 
edge forward to center of 
toe, and then rivet on the 
leather and affix the shoe. 

On some occasions, as 
where a horse cuts but one 
knee, it may be found that 
the foot on the injured limb 
is out of balance, and not 



A, Inside branch. B, Outside branch. 
C, Rivet hole, for securing leather slips 
when required to straighten the inside • , , -, , , . . 

heel to place the foot level and in line the one that does the hitting, 
with the center of limb. The dotted white In such event the foot of the 
line indicates extension of shoe over out- . . ^ Hmb after ,. 
side toe of foot. ° ° 

properly leveled, may be 

shod with pattern, Fig. 104. The effect of this shoe will be to 

turn or roll the limb out of the way of the other foot by means 

of the outer bevel on the outside toe. Or on removal of the old 

shoe it can be made to answer the same purpose by welding a 

toe calk on the inner side, about one inch from center of toe, 

the calk to be one-fourth inch high by one inch long. 



Forging or Clicking. — The habit of forging or clicking 
peculiar to many horses may arise either from disproportionate 
construction, or, which is most often the case, from improper 
shoeing ; and indeed, from my own personal observation, I am 
led to believe that in many cases both causes may prevail at the 
same time. As one example, a colt, pure-gaited, never before 
shod, may be brought to me for shoeing, and I shoe him in ac- 



FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 215 

cordance with my best judgment. Upon trial, he may begin to 
forge or click at once, or possibly not until after a lapse of time. 
Upon being brought back to me for a second examination and 
another shoeing, I may be able to detect the fault at once ; pos- 
sibly not, however, until after a third shoeing. It is evident, 
therefore, supposing that I am competent in every way in my 
handicraft, that if that colt continues, as we have above said, to 
forge or click, that we must look for the cause in the animal 
itself. 

Upon examination it will be found that the fourteenth dor- 
sal vertebrae (see skeleton, Fig. 2) is the pivot or axis around 
which the weight is poised, being the center of gravitation. It 
is plain, therefore, that if the symmetry of the horse be afFected 
either by disproportionate construction, by acquired faults or by 
wrong shoeing, that his center of gravity is disturbed ; that is, 
he is unbalanced. And such, in a word, is the general cause of 
the fault under discussion. 

The horse may be heavier in front than behind ; he may be 
too upright in his shoulders ; he may be short in his pasterns. 
His legs may be disproportionately long in comparison with his 
length under the belly. He may have long pasterns and be 
unnaturally long in his sweeps behind, or close gaited behind, 
due to his stifle standing in, his hocks standing out and his 
toes inwardly inclined ; or he may carry his head too high or 
too low. 

Any one or more of these causes may have been present in 
the example above given, and were brought out upon the first 
shoeing. When, therefore, a horse is found to be subject to 
forging or clicking, the first and all-important thing is to deter- 
mine how he is unbalanced, and proceed to distribute equally 
around the center of his gravitation the natural and acquired 
weights he must carry. rJo general rule can be given for this. 
In the cases above mentioned, one must rely upon his own judg- 
ment and experience. I have had occasion many times to de- 



216 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

termine for myself practically the difference in weight of the 
fore and hind feet of horses, and having cut them off to the 
coronet from the same horses and weighed them, have found 
that the fore feet exceeded the weight of the hind feet on the 
average of two and one-fourth to two and three-fourth ounces. 
If now this difference had been a cause of forging, it was ob- 
viously my duty to adjust the difference in weight in the manner 
which I should deem most expedient in restoring the horse to 
his balance. 

To treat successfully the habit of forging or clicking, it is 
necessary that the farrier should know first the gait at which 
clicking occurs, and the proportions and structure, or build, of 
the horse. The feet are then to be examined and the part of 
the shoe struck by clickings marked. A skillful farrier will 
then be able to determine the causes and the remedies for each. 

If the horse hits the heel of the front foot, clip off' the heel 
of that shoe on the angle of the foot on the ground surface. If 
he hits on the inside web at the toe, take the weight out of toe 
of shoe from quarters to toe on both sides, leaving the weight 
from quarters to heel. If he hits on the outer quarter, put the 
drop crease on the outside. If he hits on the inside web of 
shoe, concave the shoe on the ground surface at the point 
touched. If the head is carried low, check it up so as to lighten 
the front part ; if too high, check down with standing martin- 
gales to add weight. If the breast collar is too low on the point 
of shoulders, raise it up. If the propelling power behind is 
too great for the front part, shoe with a five-ounce shoe heavier 
behind than in front. If he forges at a certain gait, drive over 
or under the gait. If the horse be a" dweller " with his front 
feet, put on a double rolling-motion shoe, highest at the quar- 
ters, gradually thinning the shoe from quarters to toe, then from 
quarters to heel. The effect of such a shoe will be to quicken 
his action in front. 

The shoes designed for the hind feet should in all cases pro- 



FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 217 

ject well back at the heels, having good, long-heel calkins. 
The driver or farrier should be able to judge of the weight of 
shoes to be used. I have used four-calkin hind shoes in many 
cases with the best of results. 

Speedy Cutting. — This is caused by the horse being un- 
evenly balanced. Having more propelling power behind than 
in front — that is, the front feet not being able to get out of the 
way of the hind legs as they pass, the outside of the front foot 
strikes and wounds the inside of the shin bone in the hind leg, 
frequently causing much pain and soreness. It is termed " speedy 
cutting,'' from happening while the horse is in rapid action. It 
is an evident fact that all horses with bold, lofty knee action 
are not speedy cutters. Those, however, who travel with a low, 
gliding, forward movement, like Lady Thorne, are called " daisy 
cutters," and are proverbially afflicted with speedy cutting in 
rapid motion. To overcome this defect, it is necessary to equal- 
ize the different actions of the parts by quickening that of the 
front and slowing that of the hind. This can only be done in 
shoeing. 

As there are, however, but few trotting horses that can have 
their toes shortened, since it wo aid have a tendency to make 
them double up or shorten their stride, I use for them a double 
rolling-motion flat shoe, gradually thinning the shoe from 
quarters to heel and from quarters to toe, with dropped crease 
on the outer quarters. Such a shoe will allow the front foot to 
land on its heels, roll over the toe more quickly, and get out of 
the way of the hind legs. If the front feet or tendons are sore, 
it would have a tendency to slow the front action of the horse 
in landing, as he fears to hit the ground. In such cases shorten 
the toe of the front foot as much as safety will permit, examine 
the feet as well as the splint bones, for, if soreness is present, 
it will have a tendency to retard the action in front. If the 
horse is a long strider or dweller, apply the scoop-toed, rolling- 



218 SCIENTIFIC 1 HO-RSESHOEING. 

motion or the plain rolling- motion shoe, which, being rolled in 
front, will assist the horse in getting over the toe of the foot 
quickly, and thus get out of the way of the other parts. In 
dressing the hind feet, lower the heels as much as safety will 
permit, keeping the front part of the toes at the natural angle, 
so as to have all the ground surface possible. Apply the shoe, 
Fig. 139. By placing long heel calkins at the sides of the heels, 
or allowing the shoe to extend at least one-half inch longer than 
the heel of the foot, the down action of the flexor perforans will 
be lessened, and in a relative degree the quick-up action of the 
foot will also be lessened. The weight of the shoes to be worn 
must be determined accurately by the driver or proprietor. 
I have often shod this class of trotting horses with front 
shoes weighing eleven ounces, and with hind shoes weighing 
fifteen ounces, before I could get them balanced and square in 
their gait. 

Running horses are more liable to obtain speedy cuts than 
trotting horses ; this is occasioned principally by the carrying 
of weight upon their backs, the weight being placed more di- 
rectly on their front legs than on their hind ones. In plating 
running horses to overcome this difficulty, level and straighten 
the front feet, having the heels and frog of an even bearing 
when the feet are placed on the ground ; shoe with thin three- 
quarter tips, beveling the outside of the plate from the ground 
to the sole-bearing surface, so as to obviate the possibility of 
the leg being cut by the shoe in passing. The punishment of 
speedy cutting is oftentimes so severe that the race is lost by the 
horse being unable to withstand it without his speed being re- 
tarded more or less. 

Ankle, Shin and Knee Cutting. — In ankle or shin cutting, 
it will generally be observed that the ankles are tilted inward. 
Cutting often causes weakness or leg weariness, and is liable 
to happen to horses when driven long distances or when they 



FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 



219 



are carrying heavy shoes. Contraction and also soreness in the 
splint bones will cause a horse to cut, which almost always is the 
result of improper shoeing and bad management of the feet. 
All can be stopped by properly leveling and balancing the foot, 
and the appliance of a suitable shoe. When the position of the 
foot is faulty, it must be ob- 
vious that the remedy con- 
sists in altering its improper 
position and straightening 
it, as much as can be accu- 
rately done, according to 
the instructions given with 
Fig. 23, Chap. IV. 

When the toe is the 
part which inflicts the wound 
use a square-toed shoe like 
No. 147, shown in case of 
shoes, page 327. This will 
let the foot break over the 
toe square, and in straight 




Fig. 101. front foot four calkin shoe, 
to be used for the relief of soreness 
in the flexor perforans, or cases of 
going or close-gaited horses, quarter crack, where toe and heel 

CALKINS ARE REQUIRED, AS WELL AS FOR 
SORENESS AT THE TOE AND FOR SPLIT FOOT 
IN FRONT. 



the foot will generally pass 
the knee without hitting. 



To be beveled from A, A, to B ; also 
from C, C, to wall-bearing surface at heel. 
A, A, Front toe calks to be beveled off on 
ground surface to front of toe at B. 
C, C, Heel calks to be beveled from 
ground surface to wall-bearing surface. 



Sprains of the Ten- 
dons. — As its name implies, 
this complaint is an injury 
to the back sinew, from the 
effects of overtaxation. Work-horses are liable to become so 
affected, though it occurs more frequently in the running and 
trotting horses, by reason of their immense strides, the force of 
which has a tendency — when prolonged to a certain extent — 
to cause the tendons to become swollen and inflamed. 

For horses suffering with sore tendons, the four-calkin roll- 



220 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

ing motion shoe, illustrated on the preceding page, will be found 
a successful remedy. 

The shoe should extend well back at the heels, the calkins 
being at least one-half inch higher at the heels than at the sides 
of the toe, where it should be well beveled on the ground sur- 
face, in order that the horse may be enabled to " get over " the 
toe of his foot with but little strain on the flexor perforans. 

I have also found the scoop-toed rolling-motion shoe very 
successful in the cases of trotting and running horses. The feet 
should always be well leveled and straightened, and the toes 
shortened as much as safety will permit. A preliminary appli- 
cation of warm-water bandages may be found beneficial. 

Elbow and Arm Cutting. — When a horse has too much 
freedom in the action of the knee of his fore leg, which causes 
it to bend under him, when lifted, in such a manner as to strike 
and bruise the limb, it is called elbow or arm cutting. To over- 
come this difficulty, the heel of the foot should be pared as low 
as it can be safely done. The toe, on the contrary, should be 
left long. The shoe should be light, for the lighter the shoe the 
less liability there is of the elbow or arm being cut. The web 
of the shoe should be narrow, especially from the quarters to 
the toe. The shoe should be well concaved on its ground sur- 
face, from the heel to the toe, particularly so in the case of 
horses thai cut or hit the arm or elbow with the heel. (It may 
here be observed that the greater number of horses cut their 
elbows with the toe.) 

Adjustable Toe Weight. — The device next shown in Figs. 
1 02 and 103, for balancing the action of horses has many features 
recommending it to attention. I have practiced it for many 
years, and it has proven to give satisfaction in all cases. The 
following is the method of adjusting it to the foot: 



FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 



221 




In case the horse's 
stride is short, place the 
weight over No. 4, as 
shown in diagram ; by 
so doing, the weight is 
at the extremity of the 
toe and muscle of the 
arm. In case one foot 
is longer in the stride 
than the other, place 

the weight on the short 

, . t • n , -XT Fig. 102. adjustable toe weight. 

striding foot over No. 

A, Ground surface of drop-crease shoe attached 
4, and on the long strid- to foot# i, 2, 3, 4, Points to which weight is ad- 

ing foot over No. 3. justed. 
Drive the horse, and if the 
stride is not equal place the 
weight on the long striding 
foot over figure 2. Drive 
the horse a few days, and if 
this does not have the de- 
sired effect, and his stride is 
not equal, place a weight on 
the short striding foot at 
No. 4, two or three ounces 
heavier than the other. The 
great success of this weight 
depends on the skillfulness FlG m GR0UND TREAD 0F SH0E SH0WN 

of the driver to properly in Fig. 102 to prevent arm and elbow 

-,.,., v . cutting. 

adjust it so as to equalize 

the stride of the horse. A, Toe calk around the curve of shoe 

A ,, , -, in front to be from 1£ in. to f in. high. 

Another great advan- -d-d-d-dt? 1 a • • * 

& B, B, B, B, Bevel around inner rim of 

tage of this weight is that shoe and on outside at heels. C, Spur in 

you can give the horse foot front ° f shoe ^^ ™^> as sh ° wn 
on side view, Fig. 81. D, D, Inner face 

action or take it away, by of toe weight. 




222 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 104. right front foot shoe, to pre- 
vent ANKLE, SHIN AND KNEE HITTING. 

C, Starting point of bevel at center of 
toe to a thin feather edge at B, then 
gradually lessening the bevel around the 
outside rim of shoe to A. 



the raising or lowering of 
the weights on the foot. By 
placing both weights over 
Eo. 1, the weights, being 
placed over the center of the 
foot, will prevent the foot 
from bending or doubling at 
the toe, and will stop the 
worst cases of elbow and 
arm cutting. 



Ankle, Shin and Knee 
Hitting. — As a rule horses 
so affected, hit one leg or the 
other by striking it with the 
opposite foot from the point 
of the inside toe to about 
the heel nail. By beveling off the shoe on the outside rim, 

therefore, as shown in Fig. 104, 
from C to B, at middle of toe, 
to A, at last nail hole, will pre- 
vent any thing like an inward 
dip as the foot leaves the 
ground, and will cause the 
ankle and knee to be carried 
outward from the opposite foot 
and thus avoid becoming 
bruised or cut. 

Fig. 105 shows a hind foot 
shoe intended for extreme 
cases of ankle hitting, where 
the horse hits with the inside 
point of the toe. This occurs 
with horses that stand in the 




Fig. 105. 



LEFT HIND FOOT SHOE FOR 
ANKLE HITTING. 

A, Inside toe calkin. B, Inside heel 
calkin. 



FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 



223 



faulty position illustrated in Fig. 95, No. 5, having their hocks 
turned outwardly and consequently their toes turned in. In 
this case, a toe-calk should he placed on the inside, at the strik- 
ing point of the foot, and also a side heel calkin. This will 
prevent any thing like an inward dip as the foot leaves the 
ground, and sufficient to carry it beyond the ankle of the oppo • 
site foot. 



Speed Shoes. — This variation from the ordinary bar shoe 
was designed to close up the hind action, where the movement 

was so wide that, at full speed 
the horse frequently would strike 
his hocks in passing, and more 
frequently tear off the hind hock 
boots. When shod with this 
shoe, the shoe being on the in- 
side of the wall, this excessive 
straddling was obviated and the 
hocks were at once relieved of 
their boots. The more the foot 
is raised on the inside, the closer 
becomes the hind action. A, 
shows the bar across the frog, 
from heel to toe. B,B, B, shows 
rivet holes, through which to 
fasten the leather padding be- 
tween the shoe and the wall. C, 
indicates the heel calkin, and D the outside section of the wall. 
The shoe may be forged as light as the hind action may require, 
and it makes a neater finish to cut the leather padding to the 
inside and outside margin of the shoe and bar, after it has been 
nailed to the foot. When made and fitted according to these 
instructions, not only will hock interference be avoided, but the 




Fig. 106. bar shoe — variation for 
correcting wide movement. 

A, Bar across frog. 



224 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




speed of the horse decidedly increased and his endurance greatly 
extended. 

This shoe has been so beneficial to speed that I have termed 
it the " Record Breaker." 
As the horse increases his 
speed, he changes his 
gait, and as no one style 
of shoe was known which 
w~ould be suitable to all 
gaits, I invented this shoe 
for a low-gaited horse 
such as Nancy Hanks. 
My theory is that the 
thinner the shoe is, the 
longer will be the stride ; 
the lighter the shoe, the 
lighter the footfall. The 

° *IG. 107. RECORD BREAKER — FRONT SHOE. 

wider the web, the less 

the shoe sinks in the ground, 
and the less liable the foot is 
to cup and slip back as it leaves 
the ground. This shoe is cut 
in grooves straight from toe to 
heel, about three-sixteenths of 
an inch deep. This will pre- 
vent the foot from slipping 
sideways. The grooves cut 
sideways and at right angles 
to the former will prevent the 
foot from slipping backward 
as it leaves the ground. Judg- 
ing from my experience in 
shoeing speed horses, slipping 
sideways is very tiresome, and 




Fig. 108. 



RECORD BREAKER — HIND 

SHOE. 



FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 



225 



therefore in affording a horse a firm foothold, as the foot lands 
upon and leaves the ground, he is inspired with great confi- 
dence, he can hold his speed from start to finish more uniformly, 
and he will win many a race which he would have lost when 
wearing the common ? old style of flat shoes. 

With this style of hind shoe, it will be impossible for the 
hind foot to slip backward or sideways, as it lands upon or 
leaves the ground. The hind legs are mainly the propelling 
powers of the horse. This shoe, as will be seen, is cut in dia 
mond shapes on the ground tread. The cuts are to be made 
three-sixteenths of an inch deep. This style of shoe is adapted 
to horses with long pasterns. In my experience I have found it 
to be of decided advantage to the horse with long pasterns to 
shoe him behind with a long extension of a shoe backward. 
The shoe then serves as a brace or stay to support the back 
tendons. 

In shoeing a speed horse, we must be governed by the 
length of the pastern, and use such a shoe as will suit and assist 

his gait and footfall. If the 
pastern is long, let the shoe 
extend back of the heel; 
if it is short and upright, 
let the shoe extend just the 
length of the heel. 

This shoe (Fig. 109) is 
designed for a horse with a 
long pastern. In some cases 
small heel calks can be 
turned upon the heels, as 
slipping sideways when he 
lands, or backward when 
the foot leaves the ground, 
is very tiresome. The scoop 
A to B, Scoop. commencing at the toe, as 




Fig. 109. 



RECORD BREAKER — HIND SHOE, 
WITH GRAB TOE. 



226 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



A, should be gradually thinned down to the inner edge, B, thus 
leaving a sharp catch at the toe. I have used this shoe on 
hard tracks with the best of success; have known the slipping 
defect, generally confined to the hind feet, to be reduced to a 
minimum, and the speed on a hard track increased from one to 
three seconds. 

The importance of this shoe can not be overstated. Its use 
is to prevent the foot from slipping backward, thus tending to 
strain the tendons as well as to produce the knee-sprung 
troubles. The toe of 
this shoe is gradu- 
ally beveled to a thin 
edge from the outer 
to the inner surface 
of the shoe, and 
when this shoe is 
worn by speed horses 
it prevents the front 
foot from slipping 
backward as it leaves 
the ground. I use 
this style of shoe on 
speed horses for sore 
tendons and the 
knee-sprung defect. 
This shoe can be made as light as the foot requires, as well as 
the leg and the gait of the horse. All horses that are sore in 
the back tendons require elevation at the heels to relieve the 
sore tendon at each footfall. Take thick sole leather and rivet 
on shoe where rivet holes show in shoe, at heels and quarters. 
Then cut the leather out on inside of shoe, thus lightening its 
weight. Afterward gradually remove the leather by commenc- 
ing to thin it from the heels down to a feather edge at the toe ? 
on each side of quarters. By so doing the heels will be ele» 




Fig. 110. improved grab shoe. A, Ground tread 
of shoe. B, B, Tips of leather-heel of toe. ■ 



FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 



22' 



vated and the sore tendons greatly relieved. B, B, shows how 
leather is to be tapered from heel up to toe ; . C, shows the 
leather and ground tread of shoe. The use of this shoe will 
afford the greatest ease and comfort to the horse at each foot- 
fall, when up to speed. The elevation with the leather must be 
governed by circumstances, some inflamed tendons requiring 
more than others. 



Shoes for Quarter Crack. — The illustration herewith is a 
side view of foot and pasterns, with lower part of cannon bone, 
the foot properly balanced and the bar shoe illustrated in Fig. 
112 nailed to the foot. This style of bar shoe I designed for 

quarter crack where toe 
and heel calkins were re. 
quired. Quarter crack is 
one of the many diseases 
which horses are subject- 
ed to who travel day in 
and out upon artificially 
paved streets and roads. 
The illustration of this 
particular case would not 
do for all cases, of course. 
This style of shoe, how- 
ever, will illustrate this 
case, and be a guide to 
any others which may 
come to the attention of 
the reader. 

In this instance, the 
reader will turn his at- 
tention first to the Fig. 
Ill, showing side view 
of the shoe shown on the 




Fig. ill. 



SHOE FOR QUARTER CRACK, SET ON 
WELL-BALANCED FOOT. 



A, Toe calk. 
■break the jar. 



B, B, Heel calkins set to 



228 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 112. 



foot. Second illustration 

shows the shoe, ground 

tread and toe calkin, and 

third shows the wall bearing 

and where shoe is beveled 

to avoid the quarter crack. 
The rule of making the 

shoe is to bevel it from wall 

bearing wherever it comes 

opposite a quarter crack on 

the foot. This will prevent 

dirt from wedging in be- 
tween the shoe and the wall 

of the foot, and at each foot- 
fall the dirt will jar out. 

A clip is required for draft horses. 

In paring the foot, bear in mind always to pare the outer 

edges of the quarter crack as deep as the sensitive laminae. 

After paring the foot and fitting the shoe, rivet a piece of sole 

leather to the shoe, covering 
bottom of the foot, at three 
rivet holes, as in illustration 
(Fig. 113). Before nailing 
the shoe to the foot, take 
fat pickled pork, fill the bot- 
tom of foot with long slices 
thereof, pressing them well 
into the commissures with 
the hand. After nailing the 
shoe to the foot, take Recipe 
No. 2 made warm ; dip cot- 
ton into the salve, cover the 
affected parts well with the 
Fig. 113. A, Clip on point of shoe. salve and cotton Then 




FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 



229 



bandage the cotton to the foot and stand the feet in the soak- 
ing tub, with warm water six to eight inches deep, for one or 
two hours. After taking the horse out of the soaking tub, bet- 
ter apply the soaking swabs around the pastern, kept wet with 
warm water, for a few days. I have cured the worst cases with 
this shoe and treatment, and worked the horse daily. 

Fig. 114 shows a special shoe for quarter crack for runniug 

horses. I have been very 
successful with this, using 
it upon running horses 
where, in their early 
stages, they can not run 
up to their full speed, 
shod with bar shoes. The 
shoe is very easily made, 
as can be noted in the il- 
lustration, by bending, as 
at C. In paring the foot, 
the wall or horn should 
be removed so as to allow 
the shoe to set snugly up 
to the foot, as shown in 
the diagram. Placing 
nails in the heel of shoe 
will hold the wall of 
the foot permanently as 
the horse springs over 
the toe in his forward 
movement. Fig. 114, open shoes ; A, A, ground tread ; B, B, 
wall bearing; C, set-off in shoe. Side view of foot shows : A, 
quarter crack; B, shoe set off in front of the ground tread 
of quarter crack. After placing this shoe upon the foot, use my 
foot salve, white cotton being saturated with it, large enough to 




114. SHOE FOR QUARTER CRACK. 

A, Quarter crack. B, Shoe. 



230 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



cover affected parts, warm and apply (the salve. Place also a 
good linen bandage around the coronet and under the heels, so as 
to hold the dressing firmly to the affected parts, and heat in well 
with a warm iron. Stand the foot in the soaking tub filled with 
warm water six inches deep, for one or two hours, and afterward 
use the soaking swabs around the pasterns and foot. Keep well 
wet with warm water for a few days, or until the soreness dis- 
appears. 

This shoe is designed for quarter crack, where neither toe 
nor heel calkins are required. This treatment I have used with 
unvarying success in the case of speed horses that have been 
driven over hard tracks 
and roads. If horses' 
feet are kept properly 
balanced, the wall pliable 
and flexible, and the hoof 
shod with shoes suited to 
the work required, there 
will be little danger of 
quarter crack. The treat- 
ment is as follows: In 
old, long-standing cases, 
one side of the wall will 
overlap the other. In 
such instance, remove all 
the fractured and loose 
wall as deep as the podo- 
phyllous tissues. Be care- 
ful not to draw blood. 
The shoe is set down to 
half its thickness in front 
of the crack, being gradu- 
ally drawn thinner as the 
heel is approached. Then Quarter crack. 




Fig. 115. side view of hoof prepared, 
balanced, and shod for quarter crack, 
where no toe nor heel calkins are 
required. 
A, A, Wall removed under crack. B, 



FAULTY CONFORMATION AND MOVEMENT. 



231 



punch two small nail holes 
in heel of shoe, as shown in 
diagram. The shoe should 
lie easily on the wall back 
of the quarter crack. After 
the foot has been shod apply 
the foot salve and remedy 
as heretofore prescribed. 
Cover the quarter crack and 
the coronet with the white 
cotton thoroughly saturated 
with the salve. Apply the 
linen bandage well around 
the whole foot, so as to hold 
the dressing to the wounded 
parts. Warm the salve in 

well with the iron, made warm for this purpose. Observe 

these instructions and a permanent cure can be effected. 

Fig. 116 is a front view of a shoe which I have used in 

a great many cases of quarter crack with most satisfactory 

results. 




Fig. 116. shoe for quarter crack. 
A, Set-off, one-half thickness. 



Rate of Speed of Trotters and Pacers. — I give here a 
table showing the distance covered per second by a horse when 
going at speeds varying from a 2:00 to a 2:30 gait. The table 
given is believed to be a substantially correct compilation of the 
figures. 

It will be noticed that in the distance covered by the horse 
when going at a rate of speed of from 2:30 to 2:20 there is an 
approximate increase of three inches per second for each addi- 
tional second's lowering of the speed rate, while in the speed 
rate between 2:10 and 2:00 the increase amounts to four and 
one-tenth inches per second. A horse going a mile in two 
minutes would distance Martha Wilkes, Palo Alto and Maud S. 9 



232 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



Rate of Speed. 


Distance 
per Second. 


Rate of Speed. 


Distance 
per Second. 




Feet. 


In. 


Feet. In. 


2-30 


35 
36 
36 
36 
37 
37 
37 
38 
38 
38 
38 


2 
5 
8 
11 
2 
5 
8 

*3 

6 
9 


2:15 


39 
39 
39 
40 
40 
41 
41 
42 
42 
44 




2-25 


2:14 


4 


2:24 


2:13 


8 


2:23 


2:12 




2-22 


2:10 


7 


2:21 


2:08| 




2:20 


2:08 : 


3 


2:19... 


2:05 


3 


2:18 


2:04 


; 


2:17 


2:00 




2:16 











and have something to spare, and would leave Niancy H^nks 
and Mascot, the fleetest of the present day, about seven lengths 
to the rear. Railroad express train, one mile a minute, eighty- 
eight feet a second, is a good comparison. 



SrECIFIC AKD EEMEDIAL SHOEING. 233 



CHAPTER IX. 
SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 

ITS PURPOSE AND SCOPE DELINEATED. 

The special purposes of shoeing will be considered under 
this head as applying to " all sorts and conditions " of feet — 
especially defective and diseased conditions — for which certain 
merits are claimed for many different styles of shoes, in remedy- 
ing or curing the special defects against which they are directed. 
No one need be told that in operating upon feet of this kind, 
the highest discretion of the farrier is called upon, for it is not 
the application of a given style of shoe to the foot in a given 
way, but it is the scientific adaptation of a special kind of shoe, 
varied for special purposes, to suit different conditions of the 
foot, with a view of securing certain beneficial results. Thus 
regarded, this section of my subject becomes withal one of the 
most interesting phases of all the branches of shoeing. 

There are a large number of artificers who make horseshoe- 
ing a profession, who offer convincing testimony of having 
mastered the principles of their art (as proved by their skill 
in this department of it), that I should doubtless have made an 
exception in their favor in my strictures on the careless bun- 
glers who belittle the importance of the profession and unmake 
the well-deserved reputations of the more finished artists in the 
business. 



234 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

In the development of that '■ paragon of horseflesh" — the 
trotter — the matter of shoeing for specific purposes has received 
more attention at the hands of all classes of men, and has made 
more progress and achieved greater triumphs in American than 
in any other land. 

This is a department of the farrier's art that ranks with 
the best and most ingenious of other mechanical arts, and is 
justly entitled to the highest praise that can be bestowed 
upon it. 

I have devised many different styles of shoes admirably ef- 
fective for leveling and perfecting the action and the gait of 
horses, as well as for removing the cause and thereby healing 
the effect of various foot ailments, but as many of them are 
applicable — in a large measure — to horses used solely for speed 
purposes, any attempt at a complete classification at this time is 
precluded by the limits assigned for this work. I will, therefore, 
confine myself to a selection of such patterns as may be re- 
garded the most useful for the purpose in view, though the next 
succeeding chapter will contain an assembly of about three hun- 
dred oither forms of shoes, all enumerated and described for 
convenient reference. 

When rightly made and applied as directed, any of these 
shoes will prove potent auxiliaries in assisting to relieve the 
faults or troubles for which they are especially designed or in- 
tended, as explained in each instance — and this applies to the 
higher breeds of horses, as well as to others whose lot is cast in 
the humbler if more useful walks of life. 

Any correspondence or inquiries addressed to me relative 
to the matters in question, will receive prompt and careful at- 
tention at my hands. 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



235 




Fig. 117. original centennial shoe, 
designed by s. t. harris. 



Centennial Shoe, No. 1.— 
Fig. 117, is one of the many 
I exhibited at the Centennial 
Exposition at Philadelphia in 
1876. It was designed by Mr. 
S. T. Harris, of Cincinnati. 
The shoe derives its name from 
the year in which it was in- 
vented and exhibited, and it 
has been in use a long time, 
with very gratifying success. 

It conforms more to the 
shape of the foot than any shoe 
ever used. The wings, A, A, 
bear evenly on the bars of the foot, affording the greatest pos- 
sible bearing surface to the heels, and serve to distribute equally 
over the whole ground surface of the foot the concussion sus- 
tained, which, by reason of the position of the heels, is greatest 
at this point. 

After the Centennial shoe has been worn for a few days and 
then removed from the foot, the inclination and position of the 
wings afford a useful and valuable deduction. The question 
has long been mooted among writers and farriers, what part of 
the foot expands the hoof, whether the wall, the bars, or the 
frog. Eminent authorities have given this active agency in turn 
to each one of the members I have mentioned, but the inclina- 
tion of the wings of a worn Centennial shoe indicates an active 
agency of the bars in co-operating with the other parts of the 
foot that have not heretofore received adequate consideration. 
The wings of the shoe not only fall out in their bearings to the 
extreme points of the bars, but they are careened outwardly, the 
inside branches being higher than the outside branches, thus 
showing by their outward inclination that the bars have an ac- 
tive and constant agency in keeping the foot normally expanded. 



236 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




As a hoof expander, therefore, we derive from the Centennial 
shoe one of its most valuable uses. 

Centennial Shoe, No. 2. 
— Fig. 118. This shoe, also 
exhibited at the Centennial 
Exposition, conforms as closely 
as possible to the natural shape 
of the hoof, and places the 
pressure just where nature de- 
mands. Especially is it bene- 
ficial to the trotting horse that 
requires toe weights to balance 
his actions, because it is heavy 
in front and operates power- 
fully in assisting the extensor 
to lengthen the stride. When 
a shoe of this pattern weighing 
sixteen ounces is lifted by the 
heel, it seems to weigh at least 

two pounds. The inner rim on ground surface is to be well 
concaved, as shown by letters, A, A, the heels to be swedged 
out with a round, blunt, fullering tool, as shown in B, B, so as 
to get good heel and bar pressure. 

In applying this style of shoe to a horse inclined to mix and 
shift his gait, bear in mind to leave a long toe. Three nails in 
each quarter is sufficient to hold the shoe to the foot. This shoe 
will produce most satisfactory results, if properly applied. 

Centennial Shoe, No. 3. — Fig. 119, on next page, is another 
modified form of the Centennial shoe before described, and with 
the others was exhibited by me at the Centennial Exposition. 
It is more easily made, yet embraces the same principle of bar 
pressure. It can be made from any ordinary flat shoe, the wings 
to be swedged out solidly by means of a blunt, round, fullering 



Fig. 118. modified form centennial 
toe-weight shoe, designed by s. t. 

HARRIS. 

A, A, Bevel around inner rim of 
shoe on ground surface. B, B, Grooves 
at heels to obtain bar pressure. 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



23' 




tool, until they extend over 
the bars, as shown at A, A, A, 
A. This style of shoe I con- 
sider to be of especial advan- 
tage to recover the wiring-in 
of the crusts at the heels. By 
following the wall close up to 
the sides of the frog, it obtains 
strong bar pressure, and gives 
the frog free access to the 
ground. If the sole of the foot 
evinces a tendency to be flat 
Fig. 119. another modified form and tender, it is quite necessary 

CENTENNIAL SHOE, DESIGNED BY S. T. , . . ., n • . ,-, 

to protect it trom miury until 

HARRIS. r O J 

A, A, A, A, Grooves deepening and it becomes strong. The only 
widening toward sole-bearing surface. wa y m which this can be done 

is by adding to the web in the shoe. As the sole gradually re- 
news itself and becomes thicker, reduce the width of the shoe. 
In two or three shoeings, the foot will become strong, when the 
narrow-webbed shoe may 
be resorted to. 

Fig. 120. To make shoe, 
take a steel bar 1J by f 
inches, of twice the length 
from center of the toe to 
either heel — otherwise suf- 
h'ciently long to extend the 
required distance round 
the foot. Strike a center 
at a point half the length 
from toe to heel on each 
side. Then with a chisel, 
cut down through the FlG> 12a RAISED SPRING BAR SH0E > T0 

° REDUCE CONCUSSION AND SOFTEN THE STROKE 

middle of bar each way — OF footfall. 




238 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



stopping at a point to leave material enough where the ends of 
the wings unite with the shoe, then cut off the surplus stock in 
center to leave the wings of the desired length, beginning at a 
distance from each end, equal to the length of the wings de- 
sired, and continue to the required distance from the ends of 
the bars. 

Taper the wings from heels to points and bend the shoe to 
the form of the foot. Make the wings conform to the shape of 
the frog. Then fit the shoe to the foot, springing cne wings 
gradually from heels to points and leaving them standing one- 
half inch below face of shoe. I have tested this shoe on horses 
that were quite sore and lame, the shoe being made of cast steel, 
the bars being sprung down from the heel to their points on the 
ground surface about one-half inch ; this will soften and mellow 
the jar. The shoe, being well tempered, will allow the bars to 
spring with the horse's weight, 
and will be found one of the 
best devices possible to soften 
and relieve the effects of con- 
cussion when the horse is ten- 
der in foot or tendons, as well 
as to quicken the action in 
trotting, leaving the frog free 
and unimpeded to perform its 
important functions of cushion- 
ing the foot and shielding the 
sensitive parts from injury. 
m The benefit of this shoe 
can only be obtained on hard FlG - 121. feont foot scoop-toe, boll- 
roads or tracks. 

Fig. 121. This shoe can be 
readily made. It begins to be 
gradually thinned on the face 
at A, A, until ihe centers at 




ixg motion shoe. 

A, A, Commencement of scoop on 
each side of toe. B to C, Direction of 
scoop from out to in. C, Point where 
scoop is deepest. D to D, Bevel from 
ground surface to wall-bearing surfacp 
on each heel. 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



239 




Fig. 122. front foot shoe, known 
as the " goldsmith maid bar shoe," 
heart-sunken and drop-creased. 




Fig. 123. front foot shoe, to lessen 
knee action, shorten the stride, and 
to prevent forging. 

A, A, Concave on ground surface 
around toe. B, B, B, B, Concave on 
ground surface around quarters. C, C, 
Outer ground surface to be kept flush 
■with face of shoe. 



B, C, are reached, when on 
its outer edge, it should be 
not more than two-thirds its 
original thickness, dipping 
deeper inwardly toward C, 
where it should be quite 
thin. The effect of this will 
be to lessen the ground sur- 
face of the foot, and quicken 
the action of the fore legs. 
This shoe will also be found 
beneficial for horses sore in 
the toes and tendons. 

Fig. 122. This shoe is 
applicable for a number of 
diseases of the foot, such as 
weak and bruised heels, 
quarter cracks, etc. It is 
also used extensively among 
trotting horses, the shoes be- 
ing reduced down so light, 
they serve to keep the shoe 
from spreading on the foot, 
when the horse is in violent 
action. By having the bar 
set down below the face of 
the shoe, it serves the same 
purpose as an open shoe. 
This style of shoe is quite 
beneficial for long-striding 
horses, as they land mostly 
on the heels, and by having 
the shoe thinned well back 
at the heel, it will prevent 



240 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



the foot from becoming bruised. I believe that an occasional 
change to the open shoe will be beneficial in giving the foot 
more active use of the frog. 

Fig. 123, on the preceding page, illustrates a front foot shoe 
designed to prevent forging, to lessen knee action and shorten 
the stride. 

1. For forging, if the hind foot hits under the toe, clip out 
in the toe as shown in the foregoing diagram. Lessening the 
weight from quarters to the toe will allow the horse to get his 
foot quicker out of the road of the hind foot, thus preventing 
this defect. 

2. If the horse has too much knee action and stride, taking 
the weight from, toe, as shown opposite, lessens the stride and 
knee action and serves to equalize the gait. 

In either case the shoe is to be gradually thickened from A, 
A, to the heels. By so doing the front foot will be assisted in 
getting out of way of the 
hind foot, and where the hind 
foot hits up under the toe, 
forging will be prevented. 

Fig. 124. Horses that 
paddle do so by reason of 
the faulty position of the 
leg and foot. Paddling con- 
sists in springing from the 
inside toe when the foot 
leaves the ground, causing 
it to swing out from the 
body. The shoe (Fig. 124) 
was designed to assist nature 
in equalizing the weight, 
through the axis of the leg 
and foot, and is shown here 
from the ground side. 




Fig. 124. improved non-paddling 
front foot shoe, designed by s. t. 

HARRIS. 

Bevel outer rim of shoe from inner 
A to a thin edge at outer B, gradually 
diminishing the bevel to outer A. back 
of the quarter. 



SPECIFIC AJ5TD BEMEDIAL SHOEING. 



241 



To prevent paddling, place as wide a web upon the inside 
branch of the shoe as the foot will admit of. The inside branch 
of the shoe to be leveled from the ground surface on the angle 
of the foot from toe to heel. The outside branch is to be made as 
light as possible. Commence to bevel from A to B, to be car- 
ried to B to a thin edge, as shown in diagram. This shoe has 
given uniform satisfaction wherever used as I have directed. 

Fig. 125. I use this shoe 
for knee sprung and sore ten- 
dons. It can be made of any 
thickness or width to suit. In- 
asmuch as elevation gives re- 
lief to knee sprung and sore 
tendons, thickness at the heels 
must be judged of according 
to the necessities of the case. 
Select the bar required and 
bend it around center, shape 
both sides of toes and quarters, 
gradually narrowing the bar 
edgewise from center of toe to 
heel, 

As the bar diminishes in 
width it increases in thickness 
toward the heels. Then commence at inner B, gradually bevel- 
ing to outer B, extending .as far back as shown in diagram on 
both sides of quarters. As the web at the toe shortens on the 
ground surface, the thickness at the heels gives elevation. The 
beveling from inner to outer web lessens the ground surface of the 
shoe. This shoe, when properly made and adjusted, is the best 
I have ever used for sprung knee and sore tendons. 

Fig. 1 26. The shoe on the following page I use for laminitis, 
quarter crack, split hoof, bruised heels, contracted feet and ten- 
der-f ootedness ; and it has always given the best satisfaction. 




Fig. 125. rolling motion shoe no. 1. 
for knee sprung and sore tendons. 
A, A, A, A, Bevel on heel of shoe 
from ground surface to wall-bearing. 
B, B, Bevel from inner to outer sur- 
face of ground-bearing, as shown. 



.242 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




To be beveled all around on ground 
surface, from inside to outside of web, 
as shown. 



The shoe is made in this 
way: Take a bar of the re- 
quired width and thickness 
and bend it. Shape both sides 
from toe to heel. Commence 
beveling on outer surface, the 
bevel gradually diminishing at 
the inside web of shoe. Ex- 
tend this operation from toe 
to heel on ground surface. In- 
crease the web of shoe in pro- 
„-,,.. .,,,.,, _ portion as the ground surface 

-tlG. 126. ROLLING MOTION SHOE NO. 2, r 

foe various purposes, as described, requires to be shortened. 

The effect of this shoe on 
the foot will be to lessen the 
ground surface, breaking the 
jar >at each footfall, bringing the foot more under the leg, and al- 
lowing it to roll easily, in the forward movement at point of toe. 

Fig. 127. Although roll- 
ing-motion shoes Xos. 1 and 
2 will prevent tripping and 
stumbling, all horses can 
not travel with ease and 
comfort when wearing a full 
rolling motion shoe. For 
such cases, therefore, I de- 
signed shoe, Fig. 127. I have 
elsewhere Stated that stumb- 
ling will arise from straight 
shoulders, short, upright pas- 
terns, high heels and carry- 
ing the head low. The more 

Fig. 127. front foot shoe, to prevent . ™ 1 ,-, 

stillness and soreness there 
stumbling and give graceful knee ac- 
tion, is apparent, the higher the 




SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 243 

foot is to be raised from the ground to prevent the toe tripping 
or stumbling. 

To make the shoe, cut a bar of the required width and thick- 
ness, and shape the shoe from toe to heel, making quarters the 
same as an ordinary shoe. Next, take a round, blunt fullering 
tool, and scoop out at points A, A, gradually thinning from in- 
side web to outside web. After swedging, clip off with a chisel 
the surplus to the circle of the foot ; then hot-rasp the outer rim of 
shoe, leaving the ground surface as seen in the preceding dia- 
gram. 

If Fig. 127 (opposite page) is properly made, &ncl the foot 
placed on its natural angle, the worst oases of tripping and stumb- 
ling can be prevented. 

If calkins are required for winter use, set the toe calk well 
back from the front of shoe, and weld on side heel calkins. 

This style of shoe can be successfully employed in giving 
the horse graceful knee action, as it will allow the toe to break 
over quickly and an increase of weight will cause the muscles 
of the limbs and shoulders to be brought more into play in lift- 
ing the feet from the ground. 

Another shoe to accomplish the same result is the four-cal- 
kin shoe, made as described and shown in Fig. 101 ; boitlh shoes 
will give a sprightly down grade style of action. 

To increase hock action, if front shoes weigh 20 ounces 
each, make hind shoes 18 ounces or in that proportion, for in- 
creased or diminished weight. Any ordinary shoe will answer 
the purpose for the hind feet, by having increased weight in shoe 
the reflex action of picking up the foot is increased, which 
causes tfhe hock to bend more and lift the foot higher from 
the ground, and the graceful effect is heightened with increase 
of speed. 

Fig. 1 28. By shoeing with the style of shoe on the following 
page — properly made and applied — the weight being principally 
in the toe, at the extremities of the muscles, the action will be 



214 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




squared and balanced. In 
order that the shoe may 
have the desired effect, 
the quarters must be well 
concaved from the ground 
surface. In proportion, 
then, as the weight is less- 
ened in the quarters, the 
toe of the shoe will be 
relatively heavier. This 
shoe can be used to quicken 
the horse's action by being 
Fig. 128. front foot shoe, for balancing rolled on the ground sur- 

AND SQUARING THE ACTION AND GAIT OF f ace> J have Used it witll 
HORSES, WHEN INCLINED TO RACK OR PACE 

and shuffle. the most , satisfactory re- 

sults. 
Fig. 129. This toe is intended only for slow work in gait- 

ing horses. If the shoe be made according to the instructions 

following, and head checked 
down with standing martin- 
gale, as described in Chap. V, 
page 116, balancing the action 
or horses, a pacer that never 
struck a trot will trot at once. 
To make the shoe, select a 
bar of iron one-half inch 
thick, and shape the toe and 
quarters, then with a chisel cut 
from center of quarters, leav- 
ing one-half inch thickness at 
toe. Gradually draw the shoe 

FIG. 129. IMPROVED TOE-WEIGHT SHOE. ^—^ fmm ^ t(y j^ ^ 

A, A, Insertion for the frog. B, B, 
B, B, Concave on ground surface. «'t A, A, to allow for the frog. 

The inner edoes, B, B, B, B, 




SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING, 



245 



are to be made concave on ground surface, and just in propor- 
tion as the quarters and heels are lightened, weight is to be 
added to the toe. A shoe of this pattern will assist the horse 
in the extension of his stride more than any other shoe made 
in the ordinary way and weighing thirty ounces. 

I have never failed to make a pacer trot, if shod in this 
manner. 

Fig. 1 30* I use this shoe 
for founder, laminitis, ring- 
bone, and anchylosis. 

For founder, the bottom of 
the foot should be pared quite 
thin ; and after the shoes are 
Bailed on, stand the horse in 
soaking-tubs filled with warm 
water, for half a day, then ap- 
ply hot poultices to the bottom 
of the feet. 

For laminitis, bear in mind 
to keep all pressure from the FlG - 13 °- FE0NT F00T turn-table 

SHOE, FOR ANCHYLOSIS, LAMINITIS OR 

toe, and keep up the hot water founder, villitis, and ringbone. 

treatment same as recom- A > A > Bevel of toe to B - c > 0, Bevel 
, , „ . , from quarters to heels, D, D. E, Cen- 

mended for founder. ^ r of pla ^ u in wide hj , in> tMek> 

For ring-bone, keep the welded on center of quarters and taper- 
,.,-,-, , ing each way to F, F, F, F, the center 

loot pared as low as can be . _, , . * , . . , . , , „ . 

r at E being the highest point by f m. to 

safely done. Ring-bone causes i in., on which the horse must stand 

the horse to walk on his heel, squarely poised ' 

and this shoe will greatly assist 

in getting over the toe as well as turning around — allowing the 

foot to roll with an easy sort of rocker motion, and with but 

little strain on the affected parts. I have never failed to make 

a horse travel well on hard roads. The horse can turn himself 

around as easily as though on a turn-table. 




246 



SCIENTIFIC HORSES IIOEXXG. 




Fig. 131. double roller shoe. 
A, A, Sole bearing of the shoe. 



Closely connected with the turn-table shoe described else- 
where, and in chronic oases of anchylosis of the ankle joint, is 
the rolling motion ball shoe illustrated in Eig. 131. The prac- 
tical result is the freedom of motion it permits to all the joints 
of the foot and limb, to compensate for the stiffness of the 
joint affected. This freedom of movement takes the strain 
from the stiff joint and enables the horse to twist and turn to 
find the necessary relief. The ground surface of the shoe is 
solid metal, the center being the highest and gradually rolling 
or curving to the wall on all sides. It is the shoe that the 
late trainer of trotting horses, Ben Mace, used with great benefit 
on Sensation in all of his successful trotting races. 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



247 




Fig. 132. common sense shoe, to 
correct any faulty movements. 
A, Inside toe oalkin. 



Fig. 1 32. In nearly all 
oases, horses that cut their 
ankles in front, place the 
outer side of the foot to the 
ground first, uhen the foot 
drops quickly to the inside 
heel. As it drops, the ankle 
is thrown inwardly toward 
the opposite foot, and in 
passing the ankle the foot 
hits against the ankle of the 
stationary foot. This will be 
observed if a horse with this 
habit be walked and his 
front action be carefully 
noted. 

In shoeing a horse of this character, therefore, it should be 
the custom of the farrier to walk the horse up and down on 
level ground to ascertain how he steps on his feet. If he steps 
on the outer toe, first carefully pare the foot level and straight, 
as directed. After which apply the above shoe, with inside toe 
calkin. Then set the outside calk, thus shortening the ground 
surface, and place side heel calkin on the shoe. This will 
allow a broader tread and prevent twisting of the foot as it 
leaves the ground. In the forward movement, the foot will 
turn over the outside toe quickly and carry its ankle out of 
the reach of the cutting ankle. Place the shoe on the foot, 
corresponding with the ankle hit, the toe calkin, A, always 
on the inside. 

This shoe can also be used to correct any faulty step, as the 
ground surface can be increased or diminished without destroy- 
ing the shape of the foot. 



248 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 133. When us- 
ing shoe, if the horse toes 
out, place a wide web on 
the inside; if he toes in, 
place the wide web on the 
outside. If he brushes 
his ankles, shins or knees, 
when the foot is directly 
under the axis of the leg, 
close up the nail holes in 
the toe on the inside, and 
place them in back of 
quarters, as shown in dia- 
gram. The inside is to be 
beveled on ground surface 
as shown at A, A. If the 
shoe is properly placed 
it can not fail to be of 
great service to the horse, 
and do all that is claimed 
for it. 

Fig. 134. This style 
is known as the rollins;- 
motion shoe, and is used 
to quicken the action of 
the horse in front, show- 
ing the length of the shoe 
at the heel and the roll at 
the toe, with the nails 
driven in the quarters. 
Fig. 135. The shoe on the opposite page is intended for 
draft horses. If the horse pulls from the outside toe, the out- 
side quarter and heel will wire in. To overcome this tendency, 
I designed this style of shoe. Any ordinary shoe may be 



Fig. 133. front foot side weight 
shoe, to prevent ankle or knee-hit- 
TING. 

A, A, Inside rim to be beveled on the 
ground tread. 




Fig. 134. side view of foot, with a 
rolling motion shoe. 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



249 



used, on which the toe- 
piece at "A," may be 
welded, which should ex- 
tend from the outside rim 
of the shoe, say from one- 
half inch to an inch. 
Stave up the outside heel 
of the shoe sufficiently to 
get good broad covering 
for the narrowed-in heel 
and quarter. Use the 
round fullering tool to 
swedge the shoe wide 
enough to obtain good bar 
pressure. Turn up heels 
and weld a calk on the 
outside heel, and fit the 
shoe snugly to the wall 
up to both sides of the 
frog. 

The effect of the pro- 
jecting toe-piece is to brace 
or stay the weak part of 
the ankle and foot, and in 
two or three shoeings the 
foot will become natural 
in its movements, and 
fairly returned to its nor- 
mal state. 

Fig. 136. This is 

another style of shoe for 
draft horses, as explained 
by the references under 
the cut. 




Fig. 135. front foot shoe, foe draft 

HORSE. 

A, Outside toe calk. B, Side-heel calk. 




Fig. 136. front foot shoe, for draft 
horses that wear hard on the outside 
toe and heel. 

A, Outside toe calk. B, Indicates the 
location of a clip to be turned up on the 
outside rim of the shoe to hold it more 
firmly to the foot. 



250 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 137. front foot shoe, to prevent 
paddling, ankle and shin cutting. 

A, Projection ait side of toe, to be placed 
on the outside to remedy paddling, and on 
the inside to stop ankle or shin cutting. 




Fig. 138. front foot shoe, designed 
for bruised and ulcerated heels or 
corns, showing the wall-bearing, a, a. 



Fig. 137. When the 
foot has an outward dip 
over the inside toe it is 
called paddling. Use shoe, 
Fig. 137, placing the pro- 
jecting toe-piece, A, on 
the inside of shoe. If the 
foot has an inward dip in 
leaving the ground, it is 
liable to hit the ankle or 
shin on the opposite leg. 
For such cases place the 
toe piece on the outside of 
the shoe as this will make 
the foot break straight 
over the toe. The toe- 
piece to extend one^half 
to three-quarter inch be- 
yond the rim of shoe. 

Fig. 1 38. This shoe 
is easily made. Take a 
shoe stiff at heels and cut 
it out from wall-bearing 
surfaces to the inner rims, 
as shown at A, A. If 
only one heel is affected, 
concave on that side, at 
the place of bruise. Pare 
the commissures and bars 
all around the diseased 
part as thin as the safety 
of the foot will permit. 
Then punch holes in each 
heel with a round punch. 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SJIOEINC. 



251 



large enough to receive a one-sixteenth inch rivet. Then rivet 
a leather on the shoe, covering the bottom of the foot. Fill 
the bottom of the foot with fat pork out of the brine, and nail 
the shoe on lightly. 

Soak the feet in warm water for two hours. The pork will 
draw and assist in removing all soreness from the Dart. If these 
instructions are closely followed, I will guarantee that the worst 
case of corns can be cured in thirty days. They have never 
failed me. 

Fig. 139. This shoe was 
designed by the late Mr. Dan 
Mace for the noted mare, Lady 
Thorne. Great skill was re- 
quired in adjusting to her feet 
shoes of suitable weight to 
balance her action. This was 
effected by Mr. Mace by fit- 
ting her with shoes as shown 
herewith, weighing 12 ounces 
each in front, and 14 ounces 
each behind; after which, her 
action was as regular as the 
pendulum of a clock. Fig. 139. hind foot shoe, to bal- 

This shoe should fit snugly ANCE AND SL0W THE ACT10N 0F TnE 

° d TROTTING HORSE, DESIGNED BY DAN 

on the foot up to both sides of mace. 




A, A, to B, shows gradual bevel of 



the frog, the heels inclining 

Outward. The shoe being longer front part of shoe to ground surface. 
t, ,. ,, , ., , , C, C, Heel calkins gradually lowered 

than the foot at the^ heels, Wrd quarterg> 
destroys the down action of 

the flexor perforans, which serves to lessen the quick up ac- 
tion. The length of the heels also gives more ground surface 
to the foot, which requires a longer interval for the horse to get 
over his toe. I have used this shoe with satisfactory results. 



252 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 140. 



HIND FOOT SHOE, FOR TRACK 
AND ROAD HORSES. 



Well beveled on ground surface, as 
shown by letters A, A, A. 



Fig. 140. This shoe is 
made of steel, and is well 
beveled on the ground sur- 
face. If the horse is a long 
strider, turn up small heel 
calkins so as to serve as a 
check to the foot in landing; 
if a short strider, heel cal- 
kins are not required. Fit 
the shoe the same length as 
the foot (as shown in this 
figure), so as not to retard the 
down action of the flexor 
perforans. By following the 
above directions the speed 
of the horse \vill not be re- 
traded. 

Fig. 141. This hind 

foot shoe is intended for an 
extreme case of ankle hit- 
ting, where the horse hits 
with the inside point of the 
toe. This occurs with horses 
that stand in a faulty posi- 
tion having their toes turned 
in. In such cases a toe-calk 
should be placed on the in- 
side, at the striking point 
of the foot, A, and also a 
side heel calkin, B. This 
will prevent anything like 
an inward dip of the foot, 
as the horse starts, and will cause an outward dip sufficient to carry 
the foot beyond the ankle of the opposite leg without striking it. 




Fig. 141. 



HIND FOOT SHOE, FOR ANKLE 
HITTING. 



A, Inside toe calk, 
calk. 



B, Inside heel 



SPECIFIC AJN'D REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



253 




Fig. 142. 



HIND FOOT SHOE, TO WIDEN 
THE ACTION. 



Fig. 142. This shoe, 

if properly made and ad- 
justed to the foot, will not 
fail to do all that is claimed 
for it. Trotting horses vary 
so greatly that no rule can 
be laid down applicable to 
all, beyond the general ob- 
servation to shoe each horse 
in accordance with his shape, 
build and gait, with differ- 
ently weighted and con- 
structed shoes. 

The shoe in question 
should be used only on 
horses with their hind legs 
inclined to stand under the 
body. On close examination 

of the hind legs from the hock, we find the two hind feet close 
together, and the legs open between the hocks ; we notice the 
pasterns from the union of the upper pastern to the lower por- 
tion of the cannon-bone leaning outwardly. Dropping plumb 
lines from the inner and outer sides of the hock to the ground, 
we observe that both will hang, the one on the outer and the 
other toward the outer side, and that the weight does not pass 
through the axis of the leg and foot. In proportion, therefore, 
as these lines are distant from their normal position, the outer 
branch of the shoe will require to be turned outwardly to meet 
the vertical, and as the inside heel calkin of the shoe is lowered, 
just so much will the upper pastern be brought near the center 
line through the axis of the foot and leg. 

The inside branch of shoe is fit snugly to the inner wall 
of foot. The outside branch of shoe, extending well back of 
heel and leg, will serve as a brace to support the upper pastern 



A, Inside branch. B, Ending of in- 
side toe calk. C, Ending of outside 
toe calk. Lines A, B, A, C, show circle 
of toe. 



254: 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




and the shank or cannon-bone. When the horse in motion lands 
his foot upon the ground, the heel of the foot on the inside be- 
ing the lowest, the inner muscle will bear the greater strain, 
and as the foot leaves the ground, the outer muscles will spring 

back, carrying the foot out- 
wardly over the outside part 
of the toe , thus widening the 
stride as the foot leaves the 
ground, and allowing the hind 
leg to pass the fore foot and 
avoid speedy cutting. 

Fig. 143. To equalize 

the Wearing. — This represents 
a style of shoe adapted for 
horses that wear heavily on one 
!■! side of the foot, This often 

Fig. 143. hind foot side weight shoe, occurs from an inclination of 

the pastern to lean in or out, 
thus causing the shoe to wear 
more on the side to which the 
foot and pastern leans than on 
the other. If the wear is great- 
est on the outside, place the 
wide branch of the shoe on 
that side; and, similarly, if 
greatest wear occurs on the in- 
side have the wide web of the 
shoe on that side. In this way 
the wearing of the shoe will 
be equalized and the foot and 
A to B, Inside heel calkin gradually limb will be correspondingly 
thinned. benefitted. 

Fig. 144 represents a pattern of shoe to prevent ankle cut- 
ting on horses with long, oblique pasterns leaning inward and 




Fig. 144. hind foot shoe, to pre 
vent ankle cutting. 



SPECIFIC A]N T D REMEDIAL, SHOEING. 



255 



the toes standing outward. The heel calk shown is to be on the 
inside branch of the shoe gradually tapering toward the heel 
from A to B, as this will tend to straighten the pasterns by rais- 
ing the inside of the foot more directly under the leg. Usually 
it is found that with pasterns of the kind in question, the inside 
heel is shorter on the ground tread than the outside, and this 
shoe will supply the deficiency and thus avoid the striking or 
cutting of the ankle as stated. 

Fig. 145. This shoe is 
made as light as can be con- 
veniently worn, and extends 
well back at the heels, the Gal- 
kins behind being slightly 
higher than the front toe calks. 
The shoe, being well rolled on 
the ground surface, will allow 
the horse in his forward move- 
ment to get over the toe with 
but little strain on the affected 
parts. 

In shoeing for spavin, the 

Fig. 145. hind foot shoe, designed 
heel calkins are to be made to F0R CUBV e, spavin and sore tendons. 

suit the emergencies. For this A, A, Bevel from front of toe calks to 

, n £ , .T. £ \ outer rim of toe at B. 

trouble, nrst pare tile toot ac- 
cording to directions given in Chapter IV. Place the foot 
on the floor and pick up the other foot. If the horse does not 
stand down at the heel, the heel calkins must be left high enough 
on a shoe to make up for the deficiency, for hi a spavined 
leg the foot always has two motions, first the horse drops on 
toe, then back on heel. It is therefore plain to see that the 
heel calkins behind should be higher than in front. Again, if a 
horse is restless on his hind feet, or stands with one foot twisted 
in and placed with the heel on the coronet of the other, it 
is clearly indicative of a spavin of some nature, whether 




256 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 146. hind foot shoe, to prevent 
bruising or calking the coronet. 



A, Front toe calk, 
calk. 



B, Inside heel 



obscure or visible. I have used this style of shoe with admirable 
success. 

Fig. 146 refers to calking 
of the coronet. This is often 
done by horses treading on the 
coronet with either or both 
heels of their shoes when stand- 
ing in the stall, cutting and 
bruising it, oftentimes produc- 
ing serious lameness. When 
toe and heel calkins are re- 
quired, apply this shoe. 

The inside heel calkin is 
welded lengthwise on the shoe, 
and set back from the heel fully 
an inch, the ground surface be- 
ing beveled to a thin edge. 
If both heel calkins are placed 
on 'the coronet, weld a side heel 
on each side of the shoe, bevel- 
ing the heels as before. By so 
doing, all danger of cutting or 
bruising the coronet is over- 
come. If plain shoes are used, 
bevel the heels on the ground 
surface and shoe short. 

Fig. 147. A great many 
horses are in the habit of twist- 
ing their feet when lifting 
them from the ground, which 
makes them liable to interfere 
and strain their ankles or foot 
joints. Some will twist their 
foot in ; others will twist it out. 




Fig. 147. hind foot shoe, for 
horses requiring toe and heel cal- 
kins, to prevent twisting either 
way, in or out. 

A, Toe calk, extending over the side, 
as directed below. 



SPECIFIC ±NB REMEDIAL SHOEING 



By applying the shoe seen in the diagram, if the twist of the 
foot is in, let the toe calk, A, project over the outside; if vice 
versa, change the projection of the toe to the inside. This 
style of shoe will prevent the twisting of the foot, and enable 
the horse to get straight over the foot in front. 

Fig. 148, This shoe I 
use for wheeled feet. Tak- 
ing the weight from front of 
shoe lessens the weight on 
the extensor. In the flexing 
of the foot, changing the 
weight from quarters to 
heels, the foot will be easily 
lifted. Tne web of shoe will 
cover the quarters and wired- 
in heels, gradually restoring 
them to their natural con- 
dition. 

I have successfully used 
this shoe for preventing forg- 
ing. It will be readily ad- 
mitted that if weight in the 
toe of a shoe will lengthen 
the stride, reversing the weight will shorten the stride. 

Fig. 149. The shoe on the following page is designed for 
trotting horses that carry their feet close to the ground. Many 
horses shod with this shoe have won races wihich would have 
been lost to them had they worn the ordinary shoe. 

It is plain that just in proportion as the thickness of the 
shoe increases at the toe, the stride will be lessened; and in 
proportion as the scoop is deepened, the stride will be length- 
ened. A great advantage gained in the use of this shoe is, that 
as the foot lands, it slides forward and hardens the earth. In 
the act of springing from the ground, the outer rim at letter B, 




Fig. 148. 



HIND FOOT SHOE FOR WHEELED 
FOOT. 



A, A, A, Outside bevel at toe. 

B, B, B, Inside bevel at toe. 



258 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



the high point gives a solid 
ciaitch; and it is evident, thero- 
fore, that the advantage gained 
in landing is not lost in spring- 
ing off the ground. This back- 
ward and forward friction is 
very tiresome to the horse, and 
may be compared to the resist- 
ance experienced by the human 

being running over sand and 

snow. 

This shoe is easily made by 

laying the center of the toe on 

the horn of the anvil with face 

WHEN SPRINGING FROM THE -, ■, -, , -. 

downward and hammering the 

B scoop out, letting the heel of 

shoe project well beyond the 




FlG. 149. HIND FOOT SCOOPED-TOE 
ROLLING MOTION SHOE, TO PREVENT 
SLIPPING 
GROUND. 



A, A, Width of scoop at toe. 
Scoop to be beveled inwardly to C 



break of heel. It affords great 
bracing or stay to the back sinews. 

This shoe is designed for use 
upon horses with long pasterns. 
Short upright pasterns can be shod 
shorter, as there is less strain on 
back tendons. If the back sinews 
are sore, put in heel calkins. 

Fig. 150. This is a pattern 
of front foot shoe for line trotters. 
Horses of this class, when up to 
speed, carry their hind limbs in 

TROTTERS, TO PREVENT SCALPING. r 7 

A, Bevel around inner rim to B, line with the fore, and great care 

extending around the heels and ^ ired in ^ oeing fcm lest 
quarters, B, B, and carried forward 

to near front toe nails. The heels they scalp the hind shin or coronet 

of shoe also to be beveled at B, B, && {t passeg imder ^ fpQnt f<K)t 
on ground surface, with the angle of 

the foot. The thinner the front shoes are 




Fig. 150. front foot shoe for line 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



259 



the less liability there will be 
to injury in this way. The 
shoe must also be beveled at 
the heels on the ground surface 
with the angle of the hoof, as 
indicated in diagram 150, and 
as explained with Fig. 28, p. 
102. The weight of the shoes 
must be determined by the driv- 
er, as some horses require more 
weight than others in order to 
balance their action. 

Fig. 151 represents a bar 
sihoe for the saone general pur- 
pose as described for Fig. 150; 
but as some horses are more 
tender in the heels than others, 
this style of bar shoe may be 
substituted for the open shoe. 

Fig. 1 52 indicates the pat- 
tern of shoe recommended to 
prevent side or back slipping 
on hard tracks. Whatever is 
gained by a forward slide is 
not lost, for the purchase ob- 
tained by the use of this style 
of rasp-cut shoe will enable the 
horse to land and spring with 
better confidence, speed and 
endurance than by any other 
form. This shoe should be 
made of steel and after the 
teeth are cut, they are to be 
tempered in oil. 




Fig. 151. front foot bar shoe, to 
be used when required on line 
trotters. 

A to B, Bevel around inner and 
outer rim same as in Fig. 117. The 
dot shown in center of bar is rivet- 
hole for leather when used under the 
shoe. 




Fig. 152. front foot rasp cut bar 

SHOE TO PREVENT SLIPPING 0?n HARD 
TRACKS. 

The dot in center of bar is rivet-hole 
to secure leather when required. 



260 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 153. hind foot rasp cut 
grab shoe, with deep scoop at 

TOE. 

Scoop from A to B, as shown, tb» 
outer rim at A to be fush with 
face of shoe. 




Fig. 154. front foot raised split 
bar shoe, for contraction, sore ten- 
dons, side bones, corns, bruised heels, 

ETC. 



Fig. 153 shows a hind foot, 
rasp-cut, grab shoe, to prevent 
slipping on hard tracks, as ex- 
plained with Fig. 152. The extra 
scoop at front of toe will give an 
additional purchase and firm 
ground hold to the foot when 
rising. 

Fig. 154. Front foot raised 
split-bar steel shoe, for contracted 
hoofs, sore tendons, side bones, 
corns, bruised heels, etc. This 
shoe is to be made of steel in 
order 'that the bar may spring 
under the weight of the horse. 
Make it in the same way as 
other bar shoes, and after the 
shoe is shaped and fitted, cut 
the bar in center at A, A, 
then commence at B, B, to 
raise the bar, say ^4 to% inch, 
keeping both faces flat. In 
cases where leather is to be 
used to obtain frog pressure, 
fit the leather to cavity in 
bar under the shoe, punch 
holes in center of bar and at 
B, B, as shown by dots, for 
reception of rivets, then bevel 
around the toe of shoe on 
ground tread as shown. 

With the foot properly 
leveled and balanced, as per 



SPECIFIC AKD KEMEDIAL, SHOEING-, 



261 




Fig. 155. front foot bar scooped- 
toe grab shoe. 
To prevent slipping, scoop the 
toe from A to B, around to C, C. 
D, D, Side heel calks. Dot in cen- 
ter of bar, rivet hole for leather 
when required. 



Fig. 23, this shoe will be found 
very effective for use in any of 
the cases mentioned. 

Fig. 155. Front foot scooped 
toe or grab shoe, with side heel 
calks for trotting and pacing 
horses inclined to twist or slip in 
landing or rising. 

It is a waste of power and 
loss of motion for horses to twist 
or turn in any w T ay out of a direct 
forward line, and by use of the 
scooped-toe in this shoe we have 
an excellent corrective for this 
tendency, as well as a valuable 
aid in speed getting. 

Fig. 156 is a new form 
of double rolling motion bar 
shoe, designed to quicken 
the action in front, and thus 
prevent stumbling, forging 
and speedy cutting. By the 
increased knee action which 
this shoe gives it will also 
relieve soreness of tendons 
and feet. WJien used for 
sore tendons, after the foot 

is properly leveled, build up FlG lg6 - FK0NT F00T CENTER BFARINGj 
the heels to take off all pos- double rolling motion bar shoe, to 

.-, 1 r ,-, i i QUICKEN THE FRONT ACTION, PREVENT 

sible pressure irom the back 

r SPEEDY CUTTING, FORGING, STUMBLING, ETC. 

of the leg, by inserting a A , A, High center point in shoe, grad- 

thick piece of sole leather £5? t^t Mr* £ &.«&?£ 

tinder the shoe to cover the shoe .' representing the foot-bearing face by 

straight line, and the ground face by the 

bottom of foot, gradually eas y bevels each way from center. The 

thickness of center is to be regulated to 

thinning the leather from suit the necessities of the case. 




262 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



heel to toe. Then in case the weight is to be reduced, after the 
shoe is nailed on, the leather can be cut out around the inside 
of shoe. 

Fig. 157. Hind foot scooped toe or grab shoe, to prevent 
speedy cutting. This is a great shoe for speedy, close gaited 
horses. The scoop at toe secures the foothold and prevents 
slipping backward when leaving the ground, while the inner 
and outer bevels on shoe prevent the cutting or bruising of front 
quarters when in rapid motion. This shoe is to be made 'thicker 
at the toe and gradually beveled thinner to the heels. 




Fig. 157. hind foot scooped toe 
grab shoe, to prevent speedy 

CUTTING. 



Fig. 158. front foot scooped grab 
to bar shoe, to prevent speed horses 
Scoop at toe to be deepened in- slipping on soft tracks. 



ward from A to B. C, D, Bevels 
around inner and outer rims of 
branches. 



A, Outer rim of toe to be of same 
height on ground tread as the four 
calkins : the scoop to bevel in to B, 
which is thinned down a little below 
the web of the shoe, and extends to 
sides, C, C. Side heel and quarter 
calkins, D, D, D, D, wedge or V shaped, 
with points upward. These calkins 
are to be of same height as the grab 
toe from A to C. C. 



Fig. 158. With this style of shoe made as directed by 
references underneath the cut, the foot can not slip either to the 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



263 




rear or sides, and by being easily lifted from muddy tracks with 
little friction, the horse grows surer footed and less leg weary 
or jaded than would otherwise be the case with the ordinary toe 
and heel calked shoe. 

Fig. 159. Any ordinary 
shoe may be adapted to this 
form by cutting off both of 
the branches to the required 
length, then by using a bar, 
say % in. thick by % in. wide, 
long enough to extend across 
the quarters, and welding the 
tongue piece on bar to reach 
back and cover the frog be- 
tween the heels, after which 
weld to the shoe and put on 
calks at toe, sidcrs and heel of 
equal height, as shown at A, 
B, B, and' C. The cleft of frog 
is marked at D, and the dressed 
wall at E, E. In almost all 
cases of this kind pressure is 
to be kept off the frog, iand 

this can easily be done by bending the broad tongue piece away 
from tfhe foot. This shoe may, if desired, also be made plain, 
that is, without calks, and in either form will be found of 
valuable service if applied for the purposes intended with foot 
prepared, as per Eig. 23. 

Fig. 160 (next page). A horse thus affected endeavors to re- 
move the weight from the back of his foot by walking on his toe. 
This shoe can be used equally well for horses and mules — the 
heel calks to be high enough in each instance to level the heel 
with the ground, then as the weight can be borne on the heels, 
the calks will gradually be Avorn down and give indications in 



Fig. 159. fkont foot three-quar- 
ter SHOE, FOR CORNS, BRUISED HEELS, 
SIDE BONES, QUARTER CRACKS, ETC. 

A, B, B, C, C, Toe quarters and 
heel calks. D, Cleft of frog. E, E, 
Bruised heels. F, F, Lower margin of 
level wall. 



264 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



this way of returning soundness. The toe-piece, or front clip, is 
to be turned up at same angle as the front of hoof and project 
forward to suit the case in hand, as 'the higher the animal stands 
on his toe, the longer and higher the spur should be, varying 
from one to one and one-half inches. With proper attention to 
these points and to leveling the foot, as per Fig. 23, this shoe 
can be applied with success. 




Fig. 160. side view of hoof shod for relief of sprained and contracted 
tendons, wounds in the foot, etc. 
(For plan of shoe, see Fig. 162.) 
A, Coronary cavity. B, Outer wall. C, Side of shoe. D, Toe piece 
turned up. E, Heel calk. 

Fig. 161. The same method of preparing the foot as de- 
scribed for the preceding figure, is applicable to all horses or 
mules inclined to walk on their toes. 




Fig. 161. side view of another style of shoe similar to Fig. 160. 
(For plan of shoe, see Fig. 163.) 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



265 




Fig. 162. ground surface 
of mule shoe shown in 
side view of hoof, flg. 160. 

A, B, Projecting toe piece. 





Fig. 164. wall-bearing 
surface of shoe shown in 
Figs. 161 and 163. 

From these figures 
(160 to 164) a correct idea 
may be obtained for mak- 
ing and applying the 
shoes for the purpose 
named. 



Fig. 163. ground tread of 
shoe shown in side view of 
hoof, Fig. 161. 



2GG 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 165. ground surface of 
right hind foot spreading 
shoe, to prevent cross-firing. 

A, Heel calk to be turned up 
•at end of long outside branch. 
B, B, B, Ground surface of shoe, 
the dotted line snowing its pro- 
jection over the outside of foot. 




Fig. 166. wall-bearing sur- 
face OF SAME SHOE A3 SHOWN 

IN Fig. 132. 

A, A, Bevel on outside rim of 
shoe, from wall bearing to 
ground tread. C, C, C, Flat 
wall bearing. 



Fig. 1 65. Cross-firing is caused 
by unbalanced feet and improperly 
constructed shoes. Almost all speed 
horses require the sharp outside edge 
of their front shoes to be taken 
off on the ground surface to pre- 
vent scalping. By examining and 
comparing the stride of the cross- 
firing foot, it will be found that the 
stride of that member is shorter 
than its fellow by four to six inches, 
causing an occasional hitch or hop 
in the gait. In cases of this kind 
place a cross-firing shoe like Fig. 
165 on the sjhort striding foot, to 
weigh four to six ounces heavier 
than the one on the opposite foot. 
Where the horse cross-fires with 
both hind feet have them shod with 
shoes of equal weight. By lower- 
ing the inside toe and raising the 
outside heel on the long outside 
branch of the shoe, the feet will be 
made to stand wider apart on the 
ground and will be thus carried out- 
ward from the body, passing the front 
feet without hitting or bruising the 
inside ankles or shins. The success 
of this style of shoe is greatly de- 
pendent on the good judgment of 
the shoer. 

Fig. 167 (on opposite page). 
In bad cases of dragging, the ends 
of toe calk should project over the 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



267 



front rim of shoe one half to 
one inch, the projection being 
greaiter in proportion with the 
increase of the trouble. Both 
ends of the , calk should ex- 
tend equally to a straight line 
across the front. The clip 
should be turned up on same 
angle with the front of the 
hoof. 

If the foot is leveled, as 
directed with Fig. 23, this 
shoe will prevent the Avorst 
form of dragging, as when in 
motion the weight passes over 
the projecting ioe calks the 
foot will be lifted with a quick 
upward movement. If the front 
toe of hoof is worn blunt by 
dragging, the line of wall 
must be carried down to the 
ground tread bv making the 
shoe extend forward to meet 
the angle of the wall, and thus 
secure the full length of ground 
tread. This same style of shoe 
will in many oases stop forging 
or clicking. 

Fig. 1 68. Hind foot shoe 
to prevent ankle hitting. In 
order to determine how this 
shoe is to be worn the horse 
should be seen both in motion 
and at rest, If the foot twists 




Fig. 167. hind foot shoe, to prevent 
dragging and forging. 
A, Reversed bent toe calk from inner 
center of web, extending over each 
side of toe rim. B, Center of clip to 
be turned up in front between the pro- 
jecting prongs of calk. 




Fig. 168. hind foot shoe, to pre- 
vent ANKLE HITTING. 

A, Toe calk on outside rim of 
shoe. B, Extension of outside 
branch with heel calk at end. C, 
Inside branch , with heel beveled from 
ground tread in line with hoof. 



26S SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

in as the heel leaves the ground he will hit back of inside heel nail. 
I have never known a horse that twisted his heels cut ever to cut 
or hit his ankles. A shoe made as per Fig. 168 will turn the 
foot outward from the ankle and thus avoid any interference. 
The outside heel calk at B should be as high as the case may 
require, say from % to % inch. The inside branch to be gradual- 
ly thinned down from last nail hole to end at C, and the shoe to be 
fitted snugly to the foot around that side. 

Use and Abuse Of Tips. Tips should not be used indis- 
criminately, the build and construction of a horse's legs and 
pasterns must be duly considered; for instance, tips will be in- 
jurious if a horse has long, sloping pasterns whereby the liue of 
weight inclines forward out of the vertical. On the other hand, 
short, upright pasterns where legs are perpendiculai or inclined 
back under the body, have feet at such an angle (say 55 degrees) 
for the successful use of tips. Such horses wear the toes of shoes 
more than the heels, and a toe^tip is all that is needed, therefore, 
to protect the hoof from undue wear. A great majority of 
horses, however, are adapted to the use of tips, and I think they 
would be better off from such use on the front feet than other- 
wise. By wearing tips the front feet would escape corns, bruised 
heels, quarter-cracks, contraction, thrush, sore tendons, leg 
weariness, interference or cutting and such like ills to which 
horseflesh is heir — more from clumsy, misfitting shoes, than 
from all other causes combined. In some sections of the country, 
too, where, in wet weather, the soil is sticky, heavy clay, 
horses are apt to pick up "balls," which pack and wedge up in 
the foot under full shoes and becoming dry and hard, soon 
cause lameness, whereas the use of tips would avoid such re- 
sults. When used, narrow tips are far preferable to wide one?. 
as it is w^ell knoAvn thai horses do not wear out from overwork 
so much as from mismanagement and overweighting of the 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 269 

feet. Good judgment is required in applying tips: first, exam- 
ine the formation of wall and sole; if the sole is cup-form or 
well arched, this style of foot can be most successfully tipped 
The foot should not be pared off at toe and heels so low for tips 
as for full shoes, as the tips have to be let in the wall flush with 
the ground tread. In this way the angle of foot is in no wise 
changed and the wear will be even all over. From two to three 
nails on each side of tips will suffice to hold them on firmly. 
Punch for a low, short, thick hold inclining the nail outr 
wardly to avoid cramping 'the foot. Tips can be used to ad- 
vantage on colts for first shoeing in breaking them, also on dirt 
roads and the natural exercise of frog pressure will develop the 
foot into a strong and healthy organ. The tips are to be bev- 
eled off on the outer edge of the web, so as to follow the angle 
of the foot. 

Sharpening, or Winter Shoeing.— In many instances, 

winter shoeing presents fresh difficulties, for the shoes have then 
to do a double duty — to secure the foot-hold as well as to pro- 
tect the foot. Toe and heel calkins are almost always employed 
as best suiting the requirements of each case. In all cases, 
however, these should be short and sharp, as then the foot will 
be kept nearer the ground, at the same time they will answer 
every purpose for a firm catch upon the hard or slippery ice, and 
the horse will be less liable to rock sidewise, thus avoiding in- 
jury or joint lameness. For ordinary workhorses, toe and heel 
calkins are all that -are required ; and, as a rule, it is better to 
sharpen the outside heel calk lengthwise, or from front to back, 
as by so doing side -slips will be avoided and strains on the joints 
and tendons be prevented. For speed horses, side heel calks 
are better for the front shoes than mere end calks, as the horse 
is not so apt to strike and pull off the front shoe with his hind 



270 



SCIEK Tl FIC IIOliSEISIIOEIX G. 



feet when at speed ; also, the feet will not slip in or out so easily 
this way. The hind feet can in most cases be shod with ordinary 
turned up heels, as this will assist in preventing the "calking" 
of one hind foot by the other. Side heel calks ought to be 
placed on the inside branch of the shoe, near' the heel, as this 
will lessen the danger of wounding the opposite member. 



All about Calks. — It should, however, never be lost sight 
of that the shorter, sharper and smaller the calkins are, so long 
as they answer the purpose for which they are intended, so much 
the better for the foot that wears them. High calkins, while 
they confer no firmer foothold, may easily become a source of 
injury, both to the foot itself and the limb at large. It is only 
from that portion of the catch which enters the ground surface 
that the horse derives any benefit in the shape of foothold ; and 
it must be apparent to every one that long calkins have no ad- 
vantages in this respect over moderately short ones on hard, un- 
even ground, while they present many other disadvantages, on 
which I have already laid particular stress in Chaps. IV and VI. 



Bracing or Crutch 

Shoes.— Fig. 169 is a 

style of shoe for the right 
front foot, used to brace 
up the weak ankle or 
pastern that leans in, so 
as to prevent the horse 
from hitting and bruising 
the inside of the front 
leg. I have used this 
shoe with the most satis- 
factory results. 




Fig. 109. right front shoe. 
A, Toe and heel calkins, inside shoe. 



SPECIFIC 1KD liEMEDIAE SJIOE1XU. 



271 




Fig. 170. left front shoe. 
A, Toe calkin. B, Inside heel oalkin. 
C, Outside heel calkin. 



Fig. 170 is intended for 
the left front foot, when the 
pastern leans out. As the 
left foot passes over the out- 
side toe it bakes an inward 
sweep, thus hitting and 
bruising the opposite leg. 
The projection of the toe 
calkin, A, beyond the outer 
edge of the shoe, must suit 
the case in hand. I have 
known of a toe calkin in 
such instance to project at 
least an inch. The outside 
heel calkin, set as at C, will 
materially support the out- 
side pastern. ' ■ 

The use of this shoe 
will be found of practical 
benefit when outside quar- 
ters are wired under >and 
badly contracted. Such 
defects cause the quarters 
to wear excessively on 
the outside. The outside 
heel calkin and the inside 
heel oalkin should be set 
as at A and D, respect- 
ively, thus increasing the 
full ground tread, while 
Fig. 171. split bar shoe. lessening the inside. Bev- 

A, Outside heel calkin. B, B. Bevel elin g around tne toe > B > 
around toe. C, Split bar. D, Inside heel B, according to the neces- 
sities of the case in hand, 




calkin. 



272 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



allow the foot to break over 
the toe more easily and pre- 
vents stumbling. Allowing 
the bar to remain open, as 
at C, gives the heels greater 
freedom to expand and con- 
tract at each footfall. Plac- 
ing the calkins as shown in 
diagram tends to equalize 
the pressure through cleft 
of frog and center of leg, 
thus strengthening the weak 
joints. If the foot is pared 
and the shoe made and fit- 
ted according to instructions, 
a decided improvement, both 
in the foot and its action, will 
The shoe illustrated in 




Fig. 172. broad bar beveled shoe. 

B, B, Bevel — broadest at toe, lessen- 
ing toward the heel. 




Fig. 173. left htno shoe. 
A. Calkin. 



result in straightforward movement. 

Fig. 172 gives through the broad, 
wide bar a strong frog pres- 
sure for weak heels and 
quarters. It is well con- 
caved on sole bearing sur- 
face, being of greatest bevel 
at the toe and lessening to- 
ward the heels. Weak feet 
always obtain the best of 
protection from a stiff, wide- 
webbed shoe, and this style 
can be successfully used for 
quarter cracks, sore tendons 
and flat feet. 

This form of shoe (Fig. 
173) will serve as a crutch 
to support, weak pastern 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



273 



joints — the cause of a horse's cutting defect. Before shoeing, 
observe both from the front and rear how much the ankle leans 
in, and place the side calkin as shown in diagram, high enough 
to straighten the pastern under the foot and leg, bearing in 
mind always that the main object is to strengthen the weak 
parts of the pastern joints. 

The figure herewith (Fig. 174) represents a pattern of a 
bracing shoe to correct cut- 
ting inside point of toe, and 
is one of the most effective 
of the bracing shoes. Place 
calkin at inside of toe, as 
at A, to serve as a brace; 
another at outside, as B, and 
a side heel calkin on the 
outside branch. The effect 
of 'this shoe will be to cause 
the foot to drop outward 
and allow the opposite foot 
to pass the ankle without 
hitting: or bruising it. 

The shoe following (Fig. 
175) is designed to prevent 

ankle-hitting. The foot in its motion strikes the opposite 
hind ankle at B. Weld side heel calkin as at B. Gradually 
thin down heel of shoe from inside heel calkin to inside 
branch of heel. Notice the forward movement of the foot, as 
it leaves the ground. Place a toe calkin as at A, allowing 
it to project beyond the outside of the shoe from one-half to 
three-quarters of an inch. Turn heel calkin on at outside 
branch of shoe, and thus shaped, it will prevent an inward 
dip as the foot leaves the ground, thus obviating the ankle 
bruising. 




Fig. 174. shoe to correct cutting in- 
side POINT OF TOE. 



274 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 175. shoe to prevent ankle hitting. 
A Projecting toe calkin. B, Side heel calkin. 

Fig. 176 is another model of hind shoe to prevent ankle- 
hitting. If the toe of 
the foot tilts in, place an 
inside toe calkin as at A, 
and a side heel calkin as 
at B. Then turn a heel 
on the outside branch of 
the shoe. Always en- 
deavor by studying the 
action to locate the cause 
of ankle-hitting, as the 
same style of shoe that 
will stop one horse will 
not always stop another. 
I have used all the fore- 
going styles of shoes with 
the best results on differ- 
ent horses. 




Fig. 170. shoe to prevent ankle hitting. 
A, B, Inside toe and heel calkins. 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



275 



A, Coffin-bone. 

B, Navicular bone. 

C, Lower pastern bone. 

D, Upper pastern bone. 

E, Cannon bone. 

F, Velvety tissue, or sen- 
sitive sole. 

G, Horny wall. 
H, Horny sole. 
I, Horny frog. 

K, Plantar cushion or sen- 
sitive sole. 

L, Horny laminae. 

M, Sensitive laminae. 

N, Front extensor tendon. 

O, Perforatus ( superfi- 
cial flexor). 

P, Perforans (deep flexor 
of the foot, inserted under 
the coffin-bone ) . 

R, Suspensory ligament of 
the fetlock. 

S, Sesamoid bone (dotted 
line) . 

T, Branch of perforatus 
tendon attached to lower 
pastern bone. 

U, Line of deflection from 
V, caused by knuckling. 



.... s 




Fig. 177. sectional view of foot. 



Knuckling Shoes. — Fig. 177 is a sectional view of foot, 
lower and upper pastern bones, and end of cannon or shank 
bone. The line from C to V shows the natural direction of the 
foot, when the coffin-bone is in a healthy, normal condition; C 
to U shows the deflection from the natural course in a bad case 
of knuckling. The difference may be readily seen by compar- 
ing Fig. 177 with Fig 178, after the shoe (Fig. 179; and Fig. 
180, showing section of ground tread) is nailed to the foot. 
This shoe (Figs. 179 and 179a) is easily made by welding toe 
calk in front cf shoe, as shown Fig. 179a). The height of 
the toe calk should vary according to the case in hand. The 
heels of shoe should be beveled on the ground tread, as shown 
at B, B, Fig. 179 ; and Fig. 179a shows a side view of the front 



276 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



toe calkin on 
ground tread, 
and the point, C, 
at which to com- 
mence to bend 
the front part of 
shoe down from 
the toe. Fig. 178 
shows the posi- 
tion of the pasH 
terns and foot 
after it has been 
dressed and the 
shoe nailed to it, 
I have been 
very successful 
in using this style 
of shoe in ex- 
treme cases of 
knuckling, espe- 





Figs. 179 and 179a. 



Fig. 178. 

cially in colts of various 
ages, from six months to 
two years. Even aged 
horses can be thus bene- 
fited. This explanation 
should be sufficient, as the 
cuts speak for themselves. 
Bv usins: the shoe as here 
illustrated, the pastern can 
be quickly straightened 
and the ground tread of 
foot be forced to its natu- 
ral position. The ten- 
dons, ligaments and bones 



SPECIFIC AJ\ r D REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



^77 



of a colt are naturally tender, and that is the time for this treat- 
ment for knuckling; for if the colt be allowed to run until it 
has matured into a full-grown horse, not only may it be impossi- 
ble to effect a permanent cure, but after the members become con- 
tracted it is somewhat doubtful if any cure at all can be effected. 

This invaluable form of 




Fig. 180. ground tread. 
A, Showing change of ground tread. 

cave on sound natural quar- 
ters, as shown at A, and bev- 
el out as shown at B, the bev- 
el being outwardly from the 
inner web of the shoe to the 
outer margin. As the weight 
of the horse falls on the 
shoe, it will have a tendency 
to press the contracted quar- 
ters outwardly at every foot- 
fall and give relief to the 
affected parts. 



front shoe I designed to 
remedy either an inner or 
outer contraction of the 
quarter. The ground tread 
is, to be changed as shown 
at A. Punch the nail holes 
inclining outwardly. By do- 
ing this the nails open the 
foot to some extent, and 
have a tendency to unlock 
the bound quarter and give 
almost instant relief. 

Fig. 181 illustrates the 
sole, or Avail bearing con- 




FlG. 181. SOLE BEARING. 



278 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



This shoe (Fig. 182) I 
have always used, with the 
best results, in preventing toe- 
dragging, and in many cases to 
stop forging. Always exam- 
ine the pastern before shoeing. 
If it stands back, place a side 
heel calkin on the shoe, to 
raise it up on a line with the 
front part of the foot, which is 
the correct position at rest, 
This will cause the joints of 
the pastern to work /smoothly 
and properly. To make this 
shoe, take an old rasp, weld 
on the front toe of shoe and 




Fig. 182. shoe to prevent toe 
dragging. 




Fig. 183. shoe to prevent toe dragging — side view. 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



279 



cut off the length to that extent which the exigencies of each 
case require. This projecting toe calkin should be extended, on 
experimental trial, till tihe horse no longer strikes and wears 
away the hind hoof at the toe, by interference with the diag- 
onally opposite front shoe. 

Fig. 183, known as the shoe to prevent toe-dragging, shows 
shoe, if necessary, nailed to the foot, the extension . of the shoe be- 
yond the toe, on a line with the front pastern, and front wall of 
foot to ground tread. The dotted line shows where the front wall of 
foot ought to come. Making the shoe to extend over, it takes 
the foot longer to get over the toe and retards the action 
behind ; allowing the front foot to get out of the way of the hind 
foot, will thus prevent forging. I have always found this shoe to 
prevent toe-dragging and forging very useful. 

This half bar shoe (Fig. 184) I use for contraction in the 
outside heel and quarters, in case the frog is pushed to one 
side. I place the bar of the shoe so as to rest slightly on one-half 
of the frog — that is, on the side of the foot wiring under. 
I simply fit the shoe neatly 
and firmly to the foot. A, 
A, and B, B, represent side 
toe and heel calkins. Then 
bevel the toe in front as 
shown in diagram. This 
will allow the horse to roll 
over the toe more easily in 
the forward movement. 
Bevel the shoa as shown in 
Fig. 181, on the wall bear- 
ing, for contracted and wired 
in quarters. This style of 
shoe serves as a support to 
assist nature in restoring the 
foot to its normal condition. 




Fig. 184. half bar shoe. 
A, A, Side toe calkins. B, B, Side 
heel calkins. 



280 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 185. side view of eight front foot 
and pastern, showing one heel and quarter 
badly contracted, as shown in diagram. 



I have been very 
successful in treat- 
ing feet contracted 
as shown in Fig. 
185, in the follow- 
ing manner: Pare 
all surplus growth 
on the ground-tread 
-as low as safety of 
the foot will permit ; 
open up the heels 
well and the com- 
missures, commenc- 
ing at point of the 
frog and extending 
as far back as the 
heels. Be careful not to cut or take anything off the frog. 
Be sure to cut down along sides of the frog as deep as safety 
of the foot will permit. By so doing, you will liberate and 
free the frog and allow the foot to expand and contract more 
naturally at each footfall, by leaving a good flat wall-bearing 
as shown on page 97, Fig. 23. Letter A shows where to com- 
mence to cut or file the groove in the outer wall. Take a 
three-cornered file ten inches long; commence one inch below 
the coronet band, as shown in diagram; file through the insen- 
sitive outer wall as deep as the horny plates; file forward to 
where the quarter commences to contract and as far back as 
the heel. If inner and outer heel and quarters are both con- 
tracted, both sides must be treated alike. Fit a good, stiff 
shoe to the foot; get fat salt pork out of the brine, cut in long 
slices; fill the bottom of the foot. Be sure to press the pork 
down into the commissures. Take a good piece of sole 



SPECIFIC \JSD REMEDIAL SHOEING, 



281 



leather; cut the size of the foot and nail the leather under the 
shoe. The leather will hold the pork in place. After having the 
shoes nailed on, it will be well to soak the front feet in a tub filled 
with warm water to the depth of eight or ten inches. Let the horse 
stand in the warm water for one hour. After taking the horse 
out of the tub, fill the grooves cut in feet with Recipe No. 2, 
page 338. The salve will exclude the air from the grooves 
cut. In many cases it will be a good plan to apply a sweat 
blister around the coronet, band. If the above treatment is 
properly applied, the horse can be used daily, and the feet will 
grow out natural and healthy and strong. I have treated over 
ni'ty cases in the past year, and all the horses were used daily, 
and all grew out natural and healthy feet. Letter A shows 
where to cut groove; letter E, insensitive frog; letters C, C, 
outer Avail. See cut or diagram on page 280, for reference of 
letters. 

Fig. 180. I designed 
this style of shoe to 
prevent slipping on 
brick and granite-paved 
streets. By having long 
toe and heel calkings, it 
prevents the foot and 
joints from rocking side- 
ways, thus preventing 
lameness in the ankle 
joints. The toe and heel 
calks are sharp, and in 
the shape of a three- 
cornered file, or made in 

a V-shape, on the ground-tread. As the foot lands on the 
street, it is inclined to slide forward, and either the toe or 




Fig. 186. weight of shoe, 8| ounces. 



282 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




heel calk will catch between the joints of brick and stone and 
prevent slipping. The shoe being bent around at the heels, 
as shown, will catch the curls at the heels and prevent con- 
traction of the foot. It ought 
not to be a question of how 
cheap a horse can be shod, but 
how good he can be shod so as 
to insure his usefulness to his 
owner. 

Fig. 187. This style of 
shoe I have used for thin shell 
and wall. All thin-shelled feet 
require to be shod with thin, 
wide web shoes, ; but there can 
Fig. 187. weight of shoe, 6£ ozs. De no fixed rule given to shoe 
any two speed horses with same weight and style of shoes. 
The thinner the shoe the more naturally the foot is kept to 
the ground, in my experience 
as a farrier for sixty-four 
years. All speed horses re- 
quire the sharp outside edges 
to be taken off the shoes on 
the ground-tread. By so do- 
ing you will prevent scalping] 
and speedy-cutting; and my 
theory has always been that 
prevention is better than cure. 
The grab at toe, being beveled 
gradually from outer A to in- 
ner A, will prevent the foot FlG - 188 - height of shoe, 8* ozs. 
from slipping back as it leaves the ground. 

Fig. 188. I invented and made this style of shoe to be 




SPECIFIC AND KEME1UAL SHOEING. 



283 




used on speed horses on soft and muddy tracks. This style 
of shoe will suit a great many pacing horses. The toe and 
heel calkings are beveled inward to inward face of shoe, and are 
left square on the outside 
edge. The toe of the shoe 
is beveled inward, as shown 
at letter A. The toe and 
heel calks being left square 
on outside edges, will pre- 
vent the foot from slip- 
ping sideways when going 
around the turns. The 
scoop or grab at the toe 
will prevent the foot from 
slipping back as it leaves 

the ground. The toe and Fig. 189. weight of shoe, 4* ozs. 

heel calks being beveled inward, will allow the foot to be 

most easily lifted out, prevent- 
ing strain on muscles and ten- 
dons. I have used this style of 
shoe with satisfactory results on 
trotting and pacing horses. 

Fig. 189. I designed this 
shoe for a pacing horse. The 
outer rim, which is three-six- 
teenths of an inch high, gives the 
foot a firm hold at each foot- 
fall, and also prevents slipping 
sidewise in going around the 
turns. In many cases it is a 
good shoe for the trotting horse. 
Fig. 190. I designed this shoe to prevent cross-firing on 




Fig. 190. weight of shoe, 3 oz. 



2S4r. 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 191. weight of shoe, 6£ oz. 



the pacing horse. I have not failed to stop a cross-firing 
horse with this shoe. The outer rim on shoe, from heel 

to center of toe of foot, and 
the inner branch of shoe, 
must be the same length as 
the inner wall of foot. I 
have used this shoe with 
the best of results. This 
style of shoe can also be 
used on trotting horses. 

Fig. 191. In order to 
be successful in shoeing 
speed horses, Ave must de- 
sign and make shoes suit- 
able for the track they have 
to race upon. As I have 
so often said, scarcely any two speed horses are shaped and 
gaited alike ; the style and weight of shoes that would suit 
one would not suit another. So, after all, successful horse- 
shoeing greatly depends upon the good judgment of the far- 
rier. Some speed horses are too long-gaited in front, while 
others are too short-waited — their action in front is short and 
rapid and quick. If the horse has a short, chcppy gait in 
front, use Fig. 191. Placing the rim on the outside of shoe 
will give most ground-tread. I desire to call your attetion 
to page 94, Figs. 17, 18, 19, and to page 52, Fig. 5. By 
allowing the shoe to extend over the toe, so as to have the 
front part of of the foot on a line with upper and lower pasterns, 
as showm in diagram, and using suitable weighted shoes, the 
horse will get on to his correct, natural stride. 

Fig. 192. If the horse is too long-gaited and inclined to 
dwell in front, apply Fig. 192. The rim is placed on the in- 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING- 



285 




side web of shoe; it shortens the ground-tread and quickens 
the front foot action. 

Fig. 103. The rim is placed in the center of shoe. If 
Fig. 191 gives too much 
stride, try Fig. 193. The 
stride can be regulated to 
suit the gait of the horse, f/i>.k&f 
with some one of the differ- 
ent styles of shoes. By 
close examination of the 
skeleton on page 36, it will 
be seen that the horse is a 
beautiful piece of mechan- 
ism ; and to shoe the feet 
with styles and weights of 

shoes suitable to their gaits Fig. 192. weight of shoe, 6 J oz. 
requires great study and thought and practical experience. 

Fig. 194 is a new style of plate for the running horse. 
The toe calk is forged solidly 
at the toe. There is a deep 
grab at the toe, to prevent the 
foot from slipping back as it 
leaves the ground. The run- 
ning horse, in his long strides, 
always lands on his heels. 
This plate has no heel calks, 
consequently the stride must 
be lengthened in proportion 
to the height of the heel on 
other plates. This cumula- 
tive gain in the length of Fig. 193. weight or shoe, 9 oz. 
stride must necessarily increase the speed. All the horsemen 




286 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




who have seen the plate say it is the best out, and that by its 
use the horse can gain from twelve to eighteen feet in a mile 

heat. It is acknowledged by 
all to be the best plate now in 
use. Letter A designates the 
deep grab at the toe. 

Fig. 195. A solid rim 
shoe from heel to toe; rim 
three-sixteenths of an inch 
high made in the center web 
of shoe. Letter A shows the 
flat surface of shoe. The shoe 

is concaved from letter B to 

Fig. 194. weight of shoe, 2J ozs. . n T -, . -, , . -, 

inner L. 1 designed this shoe 

for a mud-shoe^ to be worn on soft, cuppy tracks. It has 
given perfect satisfaction to all the drivers who have used it. 
The outer rim being made 
square, will prevent the 
foot from slipping sideways 
when it leaves the ground. 
The web of the shoe being 
convex on the ground- 
tread, will allow the foot 
to be lifted out of the soft 
ground more easily than 
the flat shoe, and conse- 
quently the horse will be- 
come less leg weary in his 
race. 

Fig. 196. I designed 
this shoe to shorten and quicken the front foot action where 
the stride is too lon^ and the horse is inclined to dwell in the 




Fig. 195. weight of shoe, 81 ozs. 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



287 



front action. Two front toe calks are set back on each side 



of toe. This allows the 
quickly. The toe being 
scooped from outer A to 
inner A, gives the foot a 
better hold as it leaves 
the ground. The toe and 
heel calkings being made 
in the shape of a three- 
cornered file, sink in the 
ground easily and pull 
out easily. If the shoe 
is properly made and ap- 
plied to the long-gaited 
horse, it cannot fail to 
quicken the front action 
on a hard track. Calkings are three-sixth; 



foot to break over the toe more 




Fig. 



100. FRONT FOOT FOUR-CALKED SHOE. 
WEIGHT, SEVEN OUNCES. 



This shoe 




designed 



of an inch high, 
for a horse with long 
pasterns and plenty of hock ac- 
tion. On >a hard track it is a 
■splendid shoe for some horses. 
The toe is set slightly back from 
the front of the shoe. It is bev- 
eled inwardly and made sharp, 
| so that it will easily sink in the 
ground and prevent the foot from 
slipping back when the foot leaves 
the ground., I have used this 
shoe with perfect satisfaction. 

Fig. 198. This style of shoe 
Fig. 197. hind foot shoe. I designed to prevent forging 

WEIGHT, FOUR OUNCES. 

and scalping. The weight being placed from the point of the 



288 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

frog back to the heel, and the toe being beveled in front, 
allows the foot to break over more readily. This arrangement 
also permits the horse to lift his foot most quickly and get it 
out of the way of the hind foot. If made according to in- 
structions, this shoe will stop a great many horses from forg- 
ing and speedy-cutting. I have also used this style of shoe 
to give graceful knee action. It should always be borne in 

mind that there can be no 
inflexible rule given as to 
horseshoeing. No two an- 
imals can be shod exactly 
alike with the same style 
and weight of shoes and do 
their work with equal ease 
and comfort to themselves. 
Some general directions for 
applying this shoe may, 
however, be given. First, 
step to one side and observe 

if the front outer wall is on 
Fig. 198. weight of shoe, 9£ oz. 

a line with the ivpper and 

lower pasterns. (See Fig. 5, page 52.) If the pasterns stand 

back from the front part of outer wall, weld two side heel 

calks on shoe, high enough to bring the pasterns on a line 

with the outer wall of foot. (See Fig. 5, page 52.) If the shoe 

is made according to directions, it will stop a great many horses 

from forging and speedy-cutting. This shoe has always given 

very satisfactory results. 

Fig. 199. With this style of shoe I have had the best of 

success in stopping knee-hitting on splay-footed horses. The 

wide web of shoe is placed on the inside of foot, as shown in 

diagram, so as to prevent the foot from sinking in the ground 




SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



289 




Fig. 199. weight of shoe, 10 ozs. 



and the pasterns and knees from leaning inward. The bevel 

at outside of toe, as shown in diagram, permits the foot as it 

leaves the ground to break 
over the outside toe. By bev- 
eling the shoe from inner A 
to outer A, as shown in dia- 
gram, the ground-tread is 
shortened at the outside of 
toe ; this allows the foot to 
break over to the outside of 
toe . Just in proportion as the 
foot is rolled over, the outside 
of the knee will be rolled out- 
ward, out of the way of the 
opposite foot, thus prevent- 
ing knee-hitting. 
Fig. 200. This shoe I have used with the best of success 

for side-bones on road and driving horses. The shoe being 

made of steel, with open 

bar, will allow the foot to 

contract and expand at each 

footfall more readily than a 

solid bar. This is a good 

shoe for corns and bruised 

heels. The set-off in the 

shoe must be made to suit 

the particular case in hand, 

the shoe being set down in 

front of the bony deposit, 

and the shoe being beveled 

from inner A to outer B. Fig. 200. front toot shoe. 

C C shows rivet holes, to rivet leather under shoe ; D D shows 




290 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

where the shoe is to be set down to one-half the thickness of 
the shoe. If the foot is properly pared, and the shoe made 
and fit properly, it will give great relief to the disease. After 
haying the foot dressed and the shoe made and fit, fill the 
bottom of the foot with fat salt pork ; then nail on the shoe 
with a strong piece of leather to hold the packing in place ; 
then take the horse and stand him in a soaking tub for one or 
two hours, in warm water eight or ten inches deep. The ef- 
fects of soaking will open the pores, and the salt fat pork and 
leather will exclude the air from the bottom of the foot. The 
pressure must be well taken off the sore spots. 

There are several other styles of shoes in this book for 
bruised heels and side bones. To be successful the farrier 
must use good judgment in dressing and preparing the foot 
and selecting and properly making the shoe adapted to the 
case in hand. Horseshoeing necessarily depends upon the 
good judgment of the farrier. 

Of all the domestic animals, the horse has the most 
strongly marked individual characteristics. Think of the 
diversified families into which the equine race is divided — 
from the tiny Shetland pony to the ponderous Norman, from 
the sleek-limbed, thoroughbred Arabian racer to the scrubby, 
bucking broncho of the Western plains. And the individuals 
of these various families again differ from each other in phys- 
ical conformation, in strength, in disposition, and in all the 
attributes that constitute the equine, so that it may as truly 
be said of the horse as of mankind, that no two are alike. It- 
requires no great skill to nail a semi-circlet of iron to a hoof ; 
but the man who has made a life-study of the wonderful 
anatomy of this most useful animal, and can so apply his 
skill as to enable it, whether malformed or normal, to do its 
work in the quickest time and with most profit to its owner — 
he has professional skill unexcelled in any calling. 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



291 



Fig. 201. Front Foot Shoe. I designed and made this 
shoe to be used exclusively for speeding and racing upon the ice. 
The front toe calking at letter A is made sharp on the ground 
tread in the shape or circle of a perfect foot, and beveled inward 
to the face of the shoe. The side calkings are filed in the quarters 
with a 10-inch three-corned file, in a ^ shape, on the ground 
tread, and being made sharp, will prevent the foot from slip- 
ping sideways as it lands on the ice. The circle around the 

toe will prevent the foot 
from slipping back as the 
foot leaves the ice. Hav- 
ing the horse shod in front 
and behind with this style 
of shoe will greatly increase 
their speed upon the ice. 
The way to make the shoe 
quickly and easily is to buy 
the rim steel already rolled 
in the bar, after having the 
shoes made and fitted to the 
feet and filed up. Be sure 
to temper the toe and quar- 
ter calking. It ought not to be a question of how cheaply I 
can have my horse shod. The question with the owner 
ought to be : How good can I get my horse shod? My expe- 
rience has always been that a horse well shod is twice shod — 
a horse half -shod had better not be shod at all. The above 
cut of shoe is the best shoe that has ever been invented for 
icy and slippery weather. The height of the toe and quarter 
calkings can be varied to suit the gait of the horse and the 
work he has to perform. 




Fig. 201. weight of shoe, 9 ozs. 



29: 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



Fig. 202. Front Foot Shoe. This style of shoe can be 
used for two purposes. Letter A shows the shoe to be bev- 
eled to a thin edge to outer 
B ; letter C, side toe calk ; 
letters D, D, side heel calks. 
This shoe can be used to 
overcome two faulty actions 
in the gait of speed horses. 
When used to stop paddling 
out, place the side of the 
toe calk nearer the center 
of the toe . The toe calking 
is placed just right when 
the foot twists inward and 
hits the opposite knee. As 
I have so often said, there 




Fig. 202. weight of shoe, 7 ozs. 



cannot be any rule given to shoe any two speed horses with 
the same style and weight of shoes, as there are scarcely any 
two speed horses shaped and gaited alike. For this reason, 
the farrier must use good judgment in making and fitting 
shoes to suit the gait of the horse. 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



293 




Fig. 203. Shoe for Pacing and Trotting. This is 

a new style of shoe I invented and made. It is for the 

pacing and trotting horses that cannot carry much weight 

attached to their feet. The 

weight of the shoe is 2 -J- ounces. 

This style of shoe will suit a 

great many race horses, and can 

be made any weight to suit the 

horse's gait. This shoe is made 

in a s wedge the same as the 

bastard plate, with toe and heel 

calkings. As the foot lands on 

the ground the double grab at toe 

and heel will prevent the foot 

from slipping sideways ; the ^ „ ,„ ft1 

1 r & J ' Fig. 203. Weight of shoe, 2^ ozs. 

double grab at the toe will pre- 
vent the foot from slipping back as the foot leaves the ground 
over the toe. The horse that wears this style of shoe can 
keep up his burst of speed from start to finish in his race. 

Letters AA, front toe calk ; letter B, the bar ; letters CO, 
side heel calkings. The heel calkings are to be made the 
same height as the front toe calk. By having the foot pared 
along the side of the frog in the commissures the same, and 
the nail holes punched opposite one another in the quarters 
of the shoe, and foot pared according to instructions given on 
page 97, Fig. 23, and shoe nailed correctly on the feet as the 
foot falls to the ground, the inner and outer quarters will 
expand the same at each footfall. By so doing you will 
avoid a great deal of foot, tendon and muscle soreness in the 
feet and legs of the horse. 



194 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 204. Shoe for Splay-footed Horses. I designed 
this style of shoe for splay-footed horses where their toes 
turn out and their heels turn in and stand close together on 

the ground. Letters AA, 
inner rim on shoe ; letter 
B, the bar; letter C, the 
outer rim ; to be made on 
the inside of the shoe, rim 
to be beveled up to a sharp 
edge from the outside. By 
so doing it will shorten the 
outside ground tread on the 
shoe ; the inner rim being 
made to the outside edge of 
the shoe will lengthen the 
ground tread, the outside 
rim on shoe being made 
sharp on the outside rim of the ground tread as the foot lands 
on the ground. The outer rim being made sharp, will sink 
in the ground on the outside, and just in proportion as the 
foot sinks in the ground on the outside the knee will be rolled 
out, and the opposite foot pass the knee without hitting 
or bruising the knee. I have used this style of shoes on 
splay-footed horses that were known to be chronic knee hit- 
ters. By using this style of shoes on splay-footed horses in 
two or three shoeings, if the feet are pared and dressed ac- 
cording to instructions given, it will have a tendency to 
straighten their feet. As there cannot be any fixed rule given 
to shoe any two speed horses with the same style and weight 
of shoes — as scarcely any two speed horses are shaped and 
gaited alike — the style and weight of shoes that would suit 
one horse would not be suitable for another. So, after all. 



Fig. 204. Weight of shoe, 9 ozs. 



SPECIFIC AKD REMEDIAL SHOEING, 



295 



horseshoeing greatly depends upon good judgment of the 
farrier — that is, the shoer. 

Fig. 205. Shoe to Prevent Paddling. I designed this 
style of shoe to prevent pad- 
dling. Letter A, toe ; letter 
B, inside rim ; letter C, out- 
side rim ; letter D, bar. I 
have had great success in 
preventing horses that were 
chronic paddlers and could 
not be stopped paddling. 
All speed horses that paddle 
out as the foot leaves the 
ground are more or less li- 
able to speedily cut their 
hind pasterns, shins and 
inside hocks. Letter C, 
outside rim of the shoe — tiie rim on the shoe being placed on 
the inner edge of the shoe, shortens the outside ground tread ; 
the rim being placed at letter B, on the inside rim of the 
shoe, lengthens the inside of ground tread ; the inner rim 
being beveled from the inside up to a sharp edge, will give 
more ground tread to the inside of the shoe ; the outside at 
letter C, being beveled from the outside of the rim to a sharp 
edge, will shorten the ground tread on the outside. When 
shoeing to prevent paddling, always shoe full to the inside 
toe and quarters. If this shoe is made and the foot properly 
pared, and the shoe fitted and nailed on according to instruc- 
tions given, it cannot fail to stop the worst paddling horse 
in the land from paddling with his front feet. 




Fig. 205. Weight of shoe, 9 ozs. 



296 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



Fig. 206. Four-calked Bar Shoe. As I have so often 
said, no rule can be given to shoe any two speed horses alike. 
The style and weight that would suit one horse would not be 

suitable for another, as 
some horses are inclined to 
dwell when up to speed in 
their knee action . Fig . 206 , 
a four-calked bar shoe, is a 
shoe I invented to quicken 
their front knee action ; 
CC, front toe calkings, left 
square on the outside edges 
and beveled inward to inner 
face of the shoe, made with 
a grab toe to be beveled 
from outer A to inner B ; 
letter E, bar on shoe. This 
shoe will weigh 14 ounces, as the weight in the shoe will 
lengthen the stride. The way the shoe is made and explained 
will prevent the foot from slipping sideways going around 
the turns. The grab at the toe will prevent the foot from 
slipping back as the foot leaves the ground. 

This style of shoe is one of the best shoes I have ever 
used to quicken and give knee action and lengthen the 
stride and prevent slipping sideways going around the turns. 
It has proven to be one of the best shoes ever used for what 
it is intended for. 




Fig. 206. Weight of shoe, 12 ozs. 



SPECIFIC AND EEMKDIAL SHOEING. 



297 



Fig. 207. Front Foot Shoe, to Quicken the Action 
in Front. Some speed horses are inclined to be stiff-kneed 
in front, and reach too far and do not gather quick enough. 
By placing the toe onto the 
inner web of the shoe, as 
shown at letter B, the toe on 
the shoe to be beveled on the 
outside to the inside — left 
square on the inside edge of 
shoe, to be beveled in front as 
shown at letter A — will allow 
the foot to break over the toe 
more quickly ; the toe being 
set back to the inner web of 
the shoe will allow the foot to 
break over the toe more rap- 
idly, and just in proportion to the toe being set back on the 
shoe will shorten and quicken the stride, and will give more 
graceful knee action. Letters CC, side heel calkings, to be of 
same height as front toe calking. Letter D, bar in shoe. 
If the shoe is made according to the instructions given, it 
cannot fail to do all that is claimed for it. 




Fig. 207. Weight of shoe, 8 ozs. 



298 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

Fig. 208. For too much Knee Action. As I have so 
often said, scarcely any two speed horses are shaped and 
gaited alike ; the style and weight of shoes that would suit 

one speed horse would not 
be suitable for another. Some 
horses have not enough knee 
action, while others have too 
much ; are too short in their 
front stride. I designed Fig. 
208 for a horse that had too 
m uch knee action . I designed 
this style of shoe to prevent 
elbow and arm hitting. Let- 
ter A, front toe calk, being 
beveled from inner face of the 
Fig. 208. Weight of shoe, 8 ozs. shoe to the outer edge of the 
toe calk, will lengthen the ground tread of the shoe ; the shoe 
is to be beveled on the outer wall bearing at the same angle as 
the outer wall at the toe and quarters. By so doing, the 
ground tread of the shoe will be lengthened. Letter B, bar. 
Letters CC, side heel calkings, the same height as front toe 
calking. As a rule, the longer the ground tread of the shoe 
the longer the stride, and the less liable to hit their elbows. 

This style of shoe is one of the best shoes I have ever 
used to prevent elbow hitting in speed horses. 




SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



299 




Fig. 209. Bastard Running Plate. All running horses 
with weak heels ought to 
be shod with bar shoes. 
Letter B, the bar. Letters 
AAA, deep concave on the 
ground tread, to prevent 
slipping. 

I always put four nails 
in the inner and outer quar- 
ters of light shoes. By so 
doing the shoe is less lia- 
ble to spring and twist on 
the foot. 

Fig. 209. Weight of shoe, 5 ozs. 

Fig. 210. Shoe to Prevent Cross-firing. This is a 
hind foot shoe, with rim on the center of the shoe. Letters 
AA, rim on shoe. This style 
of shoe is to prevent cross-fir- 
ing ; rim to be placed on the 
outer side of the long outside 
branch at the heel. Some 
speed horses, after the foot 
leaves the ground, are inclined 
to carry the foot and legs un- 
der the body. With this style 
of shoe placed on the foot, 
with the rim on the long; out- 
side branch of the shoe, as 
the foot leaves the ground, it 
will be almost impossible for 
the foot and leg to swing un- 
der the body. The rim on the shoe will sink in the ground 




Fig. 210. Weight of shoe, 7 ozs. 



300 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING-. 




and prevent the twist of the foot as the foot leaves the ground. 
This is a good shoe for what it is intended for. 

Fig. 211. Double Grab Front Shoe in the Quar- 
ters. The inner grab is taken 
out at the toe, as shown at 
letters A and B. By doing 
this, the single grab at the 
toe will prevent the foot from 
slipping backwards as the 
foot leaves the ground. The 
double grab in the quarters 
will prevent the foot from 
slipping sidewaj's. 

This style of shoe will give 
the horse the utmost confi- 
dence in his foothold. 
To Brace up Weak Ankles. I invented 
this style of front shoe to 
brace up the weak ankles 
of some horses. The upper 
and lower pasterns are in- 
clined to lean in. Letters 
AA, inner rim on shoe. By 
placing the rim on the shoe 
to the inside of the foot 
will help to brace up and 
strengthen the upper and 
lower pasterns. The height 
of the rim must be made to 
suit the case in hand. If 
the foot and pasterns stand 
up plumb under the leg, we will seldom meet with ankle, 
shin and knee hitting. 



Fig. 211. Weight of shoe, 9 ozs. 
Fig. 212. 




Fig. 212. Weight of shoe, 7£ ozs. 



SPECIFIC A1SD REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



301 




Fig. 213. 'New Ice Shoe. This is a new style of bind 
foot shoe, to be worn on trotting and pacing horses on ice in win- 
ter. See Fig. 201, page 291, a front foot shoe, with full instruc- 
tions in making them; weight 
of shoe, four ounces; height of 
rim, three-sixteenths of an inch 
from the face of the shoe. As 
the speed horse does two-thirds 
more work with his hind feet 
and legs, I filed the ketchers 
around the toe cf the shoe so 
as to prevent the foot from 
slipping backwards as the foot 
leaves the ground. This style 
of shoe is designed for long pas- 
tern horses. 

Fig. 214. As I have Fig. 213. New Ice Shoe, 

often said, no one rule can be adopted for shoeing any two horses 

alike. Shoes weighing 12 
ounces, if the foot is prop- 
erly pared and the shoe cor- 
rectly made, will cure a 
great many horses of pad- 
dling. The first thing the 
shoer should do is to locate 
the cause, then by removing 
the cause the defect ceases. 
On page 240, Fig. 124, is 
the cut of a non-paddling 
shoe. Read all the particu- 
lars. This is a three^ealkin 
shoe; height of toe and heel 




Fig. 214. 



302 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



calks one-half inch high ; bevel the outside toe of shoe from letter 
B to outer A, as shown in diagram ; bevel toe of shoe from inside 
of letter C to a thin edge; DD, two side heel calks. By the use 
of this shoe you can stop many horses from paddling. 

Fig. 215. A front foot shoe to prevent forging, to be used 
on calf-kneed horses. Turn to Fig. 10, page 209, and there you 
will see a calf-knee; the knee stands too far back, which antag- 
onizes the front foot in its quick forward movement; the more 

you raise the foot at the 
heels, the further back un- 
der the body will the foot 
and leg stand, and the 
quicker will be the front 
foot action. I have not 
failed for many years in 
stopping the calf-kneed 
horse from forging with 
this style of front foot shoe. 
See pages 94 and 95, Figs. 
17, 18, 19. The shoe is 
cut out at A, and weight 
Fig. 215. placed in the heels, which 

will give quicker foot action. If the shoe is made and fit to suit 
the case in hand, it cannot fail to stop the worst forger in the 
land. BB, the side heel calks, must be made to suit the case in 
hand. 

Fig. 216. Iew Style Shoe. It often happens that the 
horse will paddle with one foot and go straight with the other: 
and sometimes the horse does not knee up enough when more 
knee action is wanted. Bevel the shoe off square across the toe 
on the ground tread. This is one of the cases where the front feet 
cannot be shod with the same style and weight of shoes. Have 




SPECIFIC Ai\D REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



303 




the strides of both front feet measured when up to speed, and you 

will find that the foot that paddles out will be some four inches 

shorter in the stride than the foot that is carried straight forward. 

Put four ounces more weight in 

the shoe of the foot that paddles, 

and it will equalize the strides. 

Read with care what is said 

on page 240, Fig. 124, on 

paddling. In making the 

non-paddling shoe, weld on a 

toe calk about three-sixteenths 

of an inch high at C ; this will 

prevent the foot from leaving 

the ground over the inside toe 

that paddles out, always setting 

the shoe full to the inside toe. Fig. 216. 

I have met with great success in using this style of shoe with 

horses that Avere bad paddlers 
with one foot. 

Fig. 217. This is a new style 
of shoe I designed to be used on 
horses called nigger-heel, or 
splay-foot. If the hocks stand 
in close behind, the toes turn out 
as in Fig. 4, page 207. In all 
cases of this formation, if the 
horse hits his hind ankles he hits 
back at the point of the heel of 
the foot. I designed and made 
Fig. 217 a pair of shoes and had them 

nailed on; the horse wore out these shoes and was shod again in 

the same way, and the feet became more straight on a line with 




304 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



the body. I will now describe the shoe and how «to make it : Letter 
A, inside web of the shoe ; letter B, inside toe calk ; letter C, inside 
heel calk ; the inside heel of shoe to be drawn down gradually thin- 
ning from inside of heel calk to the heel of inside of shoe back to 
the point of heel of shoe. By bowing 'the outside of heel out 
almost square will prevent the foot from twisting inward as the 
foot lands on the ground ; the square toe on the shoe lets the foot 
break over more naturally; the inside toe calk helps to brace up 
the pastern joints, fits close to the foot at the inside heel, and sets 
the shoe full at the inside toe. If the foot is properly pared and 

shoe made and fitted according 
to instructions given, you can- 
not fail in getting the horse to 
go without hitting or brushing 
his -ankles behind. 

Fig. 218. In my experience 
of sixty-four years as a prac- 
tical farrier, I have shod all 
grades of horses, from the pon- 
derous ^vorrnan to the fleet- 
footed running horse. I have 
Fi S- 218 ' taken great pains in watching 

men shoeing the racer. Some shoers will pare and rasp the 
feet regardless of the length of the pastern. The long pastern 
needs to be shod with long toes, while the short, pastern needs 
to be shod with a short toe. The horse that has plenty of 
knee action can go with a different style of shoe from the horse 
that carries his feet close to the ground; the horse that runs low 
and close to the ground should have a plate made very thin, with 
only a single grab around the toe ; the bar at the heel will keep 
the plate from spreading when nailed to the foot. As I have so 
often said, we cannot shoe anv two horses alike, for the reason 




SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



305 



that there are scarcely any two horses shaped and gaited alike. 

1 have given rules of measurement in this edition of my work on 
pages 94, 95, Figs. 17, 18, 19. If the shoer can level and pare 
the foot according to the instructions given, the horse will stand 
with ease and comfort. There is as much science required in 
shoeing running horses as there is in shoeing trotters and pacers. 
If owners would see that their horses' feet are properly pared and 
proper styles of shoes are used to suit their gaits, they would be 
astonished at their speed. After the horse is shod, the owner 
should look to the stride of each front and hind foot, and see that 
the footprints are level ; if the footprints are not level and even, 
there will be over-taxation 

to some part of the foot, mus- 
cles, tendons, or ligaments of 
the leg. As a rule, it ought 
not to be a question as to how 
cheap I can have my horse 
shod, but how good can I 
have him shod. If you will 
read this edition of my work 
you will get many good 
points on shoeing. The 
country is full of good 
shoers. This plate can be Fig. 219. 

made to suit the stride of the horse. It weighs two ounces. 

Fig. 219. A center rim bar shoe, was used by Mr. R. C. 
Benson with great success on The Eoman, time, 2 :09 1 / 4 ; trial, 

2 :06V2, in a race at Baltimore, Md. This shoe, with felt pad, 
weighs 12% ounces, and was the only shoe that stopped him from 
speedy cutting. The center rim breaks concussion and causes the 
foot to stay where it lands. It is also a good shoe for colts in 
training, as it gives a rolling motion, which is considered by 
trainers as the most desirable gait. 




306 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 220. 
ington, Ky. Weight of shoe, 
with felt pad, 8% ounces. 

Fig. 221. This is a shoe 
on the same principle as No, 
220, but has three calks ; 
these are used to relieve con- 
cussion and to prevent slip- 
ping; used by Mr. Ed. 
Geers, on Prince of Orange; 
time, 2 :07y 2 . 




Fig. 220. This is a plain, 
square-toed bar shoe, used 
probably more than any 
other shoe for track pur- 
poses ; the toe being square, 
the horse is naturally in- 
clined to break over square 
in front. This shoe was 
used by Mr. Ed. Benyon, on 
Ozanam, winner of the 
Transylvania stakes, at Lex- 




Fig. 221. 
Fig. 222. A plain, half- 
round bar shoe ; it is calcu- 
lated to let the horse break 
over easy ; being beveled all 
around, it also lessens his 
chance of scalping. This 
shoe was used by Mr. W, O. 
Foote, on Xutbearer: time, 
2 :09% ; weight of shoe, with 
pad, 7% ounces. 



Fig. 222, 



SPECIFIC AisD REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



307 



Fig. 223. A square-toed 
half-round bar shoe, the toe 
being squared to let the horse 
over quicker and cause him 
to break over squarer in 
front. This shoe was used 
by Mr. Foote on Baron de 
Shea ; time, 2 :08% ; weight 
of shoe, with pad, 6 ounces. 




Fig. 224. 
Fig. 225. A new style of 

front foot grab-toed shoe, used 
to prevent arm or elbow hit- 
ting. This shoe was worn by 
Dulce Cor, driven by Roy 
Miller ; her record as a four 
year old, 2 :08%. The object 
of this shoe is to give as much 
grab as possible, and still 
raise the toe as would be the 
case if a calk was used. 
Weight of shoe, with pad, 9 
ounces. 




Fig. 223. 
Fig. 224. • Front shoe to 
prevent knee-hitting. : This 
shoe was worn by Star Pointer 
when he was driven by Dave 
McClary, in 1:5.9%;' at Boston, 
Mass. If the foot is properly 
leveled it will prevent many 
horses from hitting their knees. 




Fig. 225. 



308 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 226. A new style of 
plain hind grab-toed shoe; will 
suit a great many horses with 
long pasterns. 

Fig. 227. A front foot bar 
shoe, with a double rirn grab at 
toe and heel. I have had much 



Fig. 226. 

success in shoeing speedy 
horses, both trotters and pacers, 
on the track, with this shoe. 
It will give speed and endur- 
ance to the horse, and can be 
m'ade of any weight, to suit the 
gait and stride of the horse. 





Fig. 227. 

Fig. 228. A square-toed 
hind shoe, with calks ; used by 
Mr. Geers on Prince of Orange ; 
time, 2 iOT 1 /^. This shoe is used 
for a horse with long pasterns, 
and will always brace up the 
back tendons and relieve strain. 



Fig. 228. 



SPECIFIC xVND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 



309 



Fig. 229. A new hind shoe. 
As yon will notice the swell of 
the shoe caused by punching was 
left to give more strength to the 
shoe. The toe being square, it 
will help a certain class of horses 
to break square and easy over 
the toes. This shoe was used by 
Mr. Ed. Benyon, on Oz amain. 




Fig. 230. 
Law ; pacing record, 
2:06V 2 ; driven by Ed. 
Geers, and prevented him 
from hitting his knees. 

Fig. 231. A double- 
rimmed oap-toed shoe, used 
first by Mr. Keating, and 
then by Mr. Nap. McCar- 
thy on Searchlight; record, 
2:03%. The rim is to 
lengthen the stride, while 
the horse having a very 
seedy toe, the cap will pre- 
vent the toe from breaking off . 




Fig. 229. 
Fig. 230. A shoe to 

brace up a horse with 
weak ankles, the outside 
heel being turned almost 
square, and a continuous 
rim on outside of shoe will 
give the horse a solid foot- 
hold and brace him up in 
his weak points. This 
shoe was worn by Heir-at- 




Fig. 231, 



310 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 232. 
Fig. 233. To prevent knee- 
hitting. By placing the weight 
with the wide web on the inside 
of the shoe, the object is to de- 
velop and strengthen the inner 
muscles of the leg; the shoe 
being beveled on the outside 
from the center of the toe, as 
shown in the diagram, causes 




aSo. 232. Xew style front 
shoe. The object of this shoe 
is to balance the feet in the air 
when in action. I have stopped 
some of the worst knee-hitters 
in the country with this style 
of shoe by placing the weight 
to the inside heel and outside 
toe of the shoe; it seemed to 
balance the feet when in the air. 




Fig. 234. 



_ j • Fig. 233. 
the horse to break over- -to out- 
side. Xotice if upper or lower 
pasterns' 1 lean in ; if so, raise 
the lower side with felt under 
the shoe. 

Fig. 234. Front foot shoe 
with rim on the inside and with 
outside calk at heel; the rim 
and calk are from x s to 3-16 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING, 311 

inches high. The shoe is beveled from the center of toe to outside 
heel calk. Starting from inside rim, the object of this shoe is to 
give the horse a more solid foothold. The bevel on the outside 
will cause the foot to roll over to the outside and will carry the 
knee out of the way of the opposite foot, and thus prevent hitting. 

Ankle and Knee-Hitting.— As I have so often said there 
was a cause for all things, I desire here to call special attention 
to some of the causes which produce ankle, shin and knee-hitting. 
Tie shoer must first locate the cause before he starts to shoe the 
horse. In some cases the horse's teeth are out of condition; in 
some, the inside muscle is the shortest; in others, one knee may 
lean in and the opposite one may lean out ; in others, both front 
legs are malformed — sometimes nigger-heeled or splay-footed, the 
toes turn out and the heels turn in — and sometimes speedy cutting 
behind. Turn to pages 328 and 329, and read what I say of 
speedy cutting and knee-hitting. First locate the cause, then by 
removing the cause the effect ceases. I have cuts of shoes all 
through my seventh edition to stop any horse from hitting his 
knees, ankles and shins. Sometimes one upper and lower pas- 
tern may lean in and the opposite pastern lean out. To be suc- 
cessful in such cases, the shoer ought to pick up one of the front 
feet, and let the opposite foot and leg stand firm on the floor; 
with the foot uplifted in hand, twist the foot against the opposite 
leg ; by so doing the shoer will get a better idea of the part of the 
foot that hits the opposite knee. You have cuts of shoes all 
through my book showing the shape of shoes and where to punch 
the nail holes to overcome knee-hitting. There is nothing but 
what can be done if we apply the right remedy. There is a cause 
for paddling out with one or both front feet. Often the horse 
will go straight with one foot and paddle badly with the other 
front foot.; often the cause is contraction of the outside branch 



312 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

of the flexor perforates tendon where it bifurcates at the head of 
the lower pastern and is attached to each side of the lower pas- 
tern. See page 51, Fig. 4. If the foot is pared level and bal- 
anced, and the shoe worn level from toe to heels, there will be no 
paddling. 



FOOT ADJUSTER AA'D COMPASS. 



313 



FOOT LEVELING PLATE AND COMPASS. 

Russell's Foot Leveling Plate is the basis from which the 
correct measurements of the height of wall, which I have 
already mentioned, are to be ob- 
tained. The horse rests his foot 
firmly upon this plate, and the 
necessary measurements from cor- 
onet to base of hoof, or face of 
plate, are easily obtained by span- 
ning with a compass around the 
different points, as shown in Fig. 
1, and any deviation or inequality F00T leveling plat 

between two opposite points is to be marked and the hoof 




pared or rasped to a perfectly level bearing, 
rately done the horse will move with orderly 
soundness and efficiency, and all danger of 
injury by unleveled hoofs will be entirely 
obviated. Price $2.00. 

Pages 94, 95, 97, give full explanation 
of how to use the compass, so as to produce 
the best results in leveling and balancing 
the foot, so as to equalize the pressure to all 
parts of the foot and leg. To be had of any 
hardware house. 



If this is accu- 




6 IN. COMPASS. 



314 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

Hitching, and its Causes and Cure. — Hitching and hop- 
ping are defects so very common in speed horses that I wish to 
say a few words about them, inasmuch as I have been so often 
requested to do so ; and while I know that scarcely two indi- 
viduals agree upon this important matter, I am glad to put 
forward my theory and experience, if only to draw out others. 
The cause and the defects are sometimes in the hind legs — 
being overdriven when out of condition. In some cases the 
muscles are overtaxed and develop what is termed muscle sore- 
ness, which will cause the horse to hitch and hop; and some- 
times speedy cutting or what is known by horsemen as scalping. 
In some cases the cause is in the front foot stride. For instance, 
take the case of the phenomenal trotting mare, Lida Bassett, 
whose performance at Chester Park in 1883 startled the turf 
community. At first she hitched in her slow work in the left 
hind leg, and then extended it to her brushes of speed. On 
one occasion at Chester Park, I noticed that the mare nodded 
her head every time the right front foot landed on the ground. 
This led me to have the stride of the front and hind feet meas- 
ured with a tape-line. The footprint of the right front foot 
was just four and one-half inches shorter than the left front 
footprint. I removed the right front shoe, welded a spur in the 
center of the shoe at the toe, bent the spur at the angle of the 
foot in front of the foot, and then placed a four-ounce weight 
on the spur on the right front foot, and had the mare driven. 
The hitching entirely disappeared on the left hind leg. This 
was one of the causes of hitching behind. First locate the 
cause, and then by removing the cause the effect ceases. 

When I first began to study up the causes of this defect, I 
assigned it to several, and later experience has borne me out. 
The feet may be unbalanced, or the shoes improperly weighted 
in front and behind. Ill-made and poorly fitted shoes in front 
and behind may cause the horse to scalp and hit his shins be- 



SPECIFIC AND REMEDIAL SHOEING. 315 

hind when up to speed. Drawing too much weight when up 
to speed, too long drives when out of condition, or being over- 
driven when short of work, may cause hitching; and it may 
spring from curb, ringbone or spavin. In many cases the cause is 
unbalanced feet. For instance, taking off the front and hind 
shoes the horse has been accustomed to wearing and changing 
the weight in front and behind may cause the horse to lose his 
stride. 

The best and most successful way to overcome hitching is 
to first find the cause, and then by removing the cause the effect 
ceases. But whatever may be the cause of hitching and hop- 
ping behind, it will always be found, by measuring the stride 
of the hitching leg and foot, that it is from four to seven inches 
shorter than the stride of the opposite leg and foot. My expe- 
rience is that it is best to shoe the short striding foot with a 
shoe or stick-fast weight. If the footprint in front or behind 
is four inches shorter in the stride than the opposite front foot 
or the opposite hind foot, I make the weight in the shoe one 
ounce to the inch. If the stride is four inches shorter than the 
opposite foot, I place the four ounces in the shoe or in the stick- 
fast weight. 

In general, to cure a horse of hitching, the farrier should 
first learn the weights in front and behind the horse is accus- 
tomed to when he trots squarely. Next find out at what gait 
he begins hitching. Notice all the peculiarities and even ques- 
tion the driver. But the most important is to see that the feet 
are properly balanced and under the body. Then, having 
studied the horse and learned all his defects and peculiarities, 
shoe him to correct them all according to the instructions here- 
tofore given. It may become a matter of more or less experi- 
ment, but practical experience and good judgment are the 
handmaids of success in scientific farriery. Cultivate them. 



316 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

Shoeing for Relieving and Easing Ringbone. — For the bene- 
fit of the horse owner and farrier, I insert here a suggestion as 
to some shoes that can be used for relieving and easing ringbone. 
In each case the shoes must be made to assist the horse in the 
work he has to perform. When the horse requires toe and heel 
calkings, the shoe is described on page 146, Fig. 35. Having 
the toe calk set back on the shoe will allow the foot to break over 
the toe more easily, with less strain on the affedted part. When 
used for a general business horse, or for speed or road horses, 
select the shoe described on page 238, Fig. 121. 

If a scoop be taken out of the shoe on the ground tread, as 
far around as the two front toe nails (see Fig. 121, page 238), 
the jar at each footfall will be lessened around the affected parts. 
An easy method of lessening the concussion at each footfall is 
to make an opening between the shoe and the front wall of the 
foot, large enough to slip in a big horseshoe nail, as far around 
as the two toe nails. By so doing you will give great relief to 
the affected parts at the apex of the os pedis. 



LEG AND FOOT TESTER. 317 



LEG AND FOOT TESTER. 

FOR LEVELING AND BALANCING THE FEET CORRECTLY 
UNDER THE LEGS AND BODY OF THE HORSE. 

It is a fact well known to all, that no piece of machinery 
can work smoothly and last long unless it is set perfectly 
plumb and level ; and so it is with the horse. If the feet and 
legs are not set plumb under the body, some part of the feet 
and legs will give out. Unless the feet and legs are breaking 
straight through the journals of the joints at each footfall, 
there will be overtaxation of some portion of the muscles and 
joints. By using my leg and foot tester in dressing the foot, 
and following the instructions given, the foot and leg can be 
correctly balanced under the body, so that the joints will 
work properly in their journals at each footfall. By so doing 
you will avoid foot and muscle soreness. The old adage is, 
" Prevention is better than cure." 

I have shown by three drawings how to properly use the 
foot and leg tester. Fig. 1 shows how to use the leg and foot 
tester. First, hold the leg up in the left hand, as shown in 
the drawing; then lay the tester straight down the tendons, 
as shown, with lower end across the heels, as indicated in the 
drawing. Looking over the bottom of the foot, it will 
readily be seen if the bottom of the foot is level. Be sure 
that the bottom of the foot is level from heel to toe, as shown 
in the diagram. By holding the leg above the upper pastern 
joint, leaving the foot and pasterns hang loose, in some 
cases the foot and pasterns will twist in or out. If the foot 
twists in, the outside will be too high ; if the foot twists out, 



318 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



the inside will be too high. By applying the leg and foot 
tester on the leg and foot, it will readily be seen which heel 
is the higher. In all cases, pare the feet perfectly level, 

as shown on pages 94, 95, 97, 
Figs. 17, 18, 19, 23. Always 
bear in mind to keep the heels 
of the same height and the toes 
of the same length from coronet 
band to ground tread. If the foot 
twists in, take a piece of sole 
leather thick enough to make up 
the difference between the two 
sides of the heel ; cut the leather 
the same shape and width as the 
shoe ; let the leather extend to 
the center of the shoe at the toe ; 
punch a rivet hole in the heel of 
the shoe ; rivet the leather at the 
heel of the shoe, as shown on 
page 226, Fig. 110: then com- 
mence about three-quarters of an 
inch in front of the heel and grad- 
ually thin the leather down to 
the center of the toe, as shown 
in Fig. 110, page 226. By so 
doing, the foot can be built up to 
a perfectly level bearing on the 
ground tread ; so that when the foot lands on the ground it 
will land perfectly level from heel to toe. The thickness of 
the leather must be made to suit the case in hand. If the 
foot and pasterns twist out, the inside of the heel will be 
the higher, and the leather must be placed under the outside 




Fig. 1. 



LEG A.XD FOOT TESTER. 



319 



of the shoe. In many cases the foot and pasterns will hang 
perfectly straight. 

When the foot is uplifted, the problem is solved why a 
horse will wear the outside heel 
and quarter and heel on one 
foot, and on the opposite foot the 
wear will be greater on the inside 
heel and quarter. The cause is, 
when the foot is uplifted, one pas- 
tern and foot will twist in, while 
the opposite foot will twist out. 

There is a cause for all things. 
First find the cause ; then, by re- 
moving the cause, the effects cease. 
The great science in horseshoeing 
is to know how to balance the foot 
under the leg and body, so that 
when the foot lands on the ground 
it will land perfectly level from 
heel to toe. When the horse is 
wearing his shoes level from heel 
to toe, the foot and leg are break- 
ing straight through the journals 
of the joints. By the use of my FlG - 2 - kussell's scientific leg 

foot and leg tester every horse can AXD F00T TESTER - 

A, Movable dial. 

* * B, Back of tester, on leg. 

Fig. 2, Back view, shows the C, Thumbscrew to set slide to 

foot resting 011 a level floor, with suit the length of shank or 

the leg tester placed back of the cannon bone * 

leg. Whenever the dial letter, A, hangs straight, the foot 
and leg are perfectly under the body. This shows how every 
sound horse stands with perfect feet and legs. 




820 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



Fig. 3, Russell's Scientific Foot and Leg tester, shows 
by a side view how to apply the tester when the foot rests 

upon a perfectly level 
floor. 

In my opinion, 
it is just as essential 
to balance the foot 
and leg behind as in 
front. By keeping 
the feet and legs bal- 
anced under the body 
every joint will work 
smoothly, and the 
horse will move with 
ease and comfort. 

It is said by all 
expert horsemen, 
trainers, drivers, and 
shoers who have seen 
the leg and foot 
tester, that it is the 
most accurate instru- 
ment that has ever 
been invented to cor- 
rectly balance the 
foot and leg under 
the body. 

The foot and leg 
tester is manufac- 




Fig. 3. 

A, Heel of foot. 

B, Bent to suit the length of pasterns. 

C, Thumbscrew to slide up and down to suit 

the length of cannon bone. 



tured and for sale by The M. & M. Machine Co., 215 "West 
Pearl Street, Cincinnati, 0. For sale by Frof. Wm. Russell, 
1722 Freeman Avenue, Cincinnati, 0. Price, $2.00, charges 
prepaid. [Copyrighted.] 



A TABLEAU OF HORSESHOES. 321 



CHAPTER X. 
A TABLEAU OF HORSESHOES, 

OLD AND NEW STYLES PICTURED AND COMPARED. 

To carry out the subject of this book still further and to 
show at a glance the progress that has been made in the whole 
scheme and staple of horseshoeing within our generation, cover- 
ing a period of sixty-four years, a regular progressive series of 
different designs of shoes is here introduced in order to exhibit 
as clearly as possible the passing stages of advancement in the 
art by the several styles of shoes in use at various times for 
various purposes until they were gradually relegated or su- 
perseded by more modern patterns of ingenious workmanship 
and skill, which accomplish wonders in balancing the action and 
leveling the gait of horses, or are admirably effective in remedy- 
ing or curing many of the faulty movements and morbid affec- 
tions of the feet and legs. "Scientific horseshoeing, " with all that 
the term implies, is thus seen to be the outcome of many previous 
years of experimental tests before it came to " the parting of the 
ways " which led it from speculative regions to the place which 
it now occupies — as an art built on scientific principles. The 
shoes and tools grouped in the cases — pp. 322 to 327 — formed 
part of my display at the World's Fair, at Chicago, 1893, and 
were awarded the First Premium, Medals and Diploma. 

In addition to the shoes shown in these cases, a large num- 
ber of still more recent patterns are illustrated in the preceding 
pages of this book — from designs which I have made since the 
close of the World's Fair. 



322 



SCIENTIFIC IIOKSESHOEING. 




Case 1. — Improved Tools for Scientific Horseshoeing. 



CASE NO. 1. 



323 



In tools, as in every thing else, the best is the cheapest, and this case rep- 
resents the best products of ingenuity and mechanical skill of the various 
articles made to serve the most useful purposes of experts in farriery. There 
are many shoeing smiths who still pursue the same routine of shop work that 
their ancestors did of old. No modern tools. No improved methods. And 
considering the improvements made in other pursuits are actually as much in 
the rut to-day as were the rural blacksmiths of generations ago. While this 
is so it is a noticeable fact that better facilities for doing better and quicker 
work results in more trade and more popular satisfaction every time. This 
affords the most conclusive evidence that the best tools are indispensable to 
the enterprising farrier, and this case embraces every thing that properly be- 
longs to this class of goods. The list includes the following articles: 



No. 1 
2 
3 
4 
6 
7 
8 



13, 

1'/, 
19, 
20, 
22, 
26. 
30. 
31. 
33. 
34. 
35. 
47. 
48. 
49, 
51, 
52. 
54. 
55. 
56. 
57. 
89. 
90. 



Driving Hammer, weight, 13 ounces. 

Pincers. 

Clinch Cutter. 

Horse Rasp, size, 14 inches. 

Foot Hook. 

Hasp, size, 16 inches. 

Spreader, for operating on diseased hoofs. 
10, 11, 12, 44, 45, 46. Farriers Knives of various sizes, No. 11 an 

extra blade without handle. 
15, 16. Hand Hammers of various weights. 
18. Fire Tongs. 

21. Creasers, light and heavy bitted. 
39. Stamps or Punches. 
23, 24. Plain and Countersunk Pritchells for stamping shoes. 

Russell's Foot Adjuster, fitted to a horse's hoof. 

Center Punch or Prick for nail piercing. 

Three Square Iron or Steel Cutter. 

Foot Tester. 

Hoof Cutting Nippers. 

Nail Clincher. 

Russell's Bed Plate for leveling the foot. 

Adjustable Compass for measuring height of hoof. 
50. Farrier's Clasps or Pocket Knives. 
53. Whetstones. 

Three Square File for dressing knives. 

Froat to rasp teeth. 

Sledge, weight, 7 pounds. 

Double Rasp. 

Half Round bastard Hot Filing Rasp. 

Steel Rule, 6 inches, for measuring hoofs. 

Adjustable Calipers to verify measurements around hoof. 



324 



SCIENTIFIC HOESESHOEIXG. 




Case 2.— Old Style Shoes made in 1850 to 1865. 



CASE NO. 3. 



325 




Case 3. — Shoes made in 1866 to 1875. 



126 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Case 4. — Shoes made in 1876 to 1878. 



CASE NO. 5. 



327 




Case 5. — Shoes made in 1890 to 1898, fully explained in book. 




Case 6.— Shoes made in 1890 to 1893, exhibited at Chicane in 1893. 



The above case of horseshoes is said to be the finest in the world. The large shoe in the 
middle of the case is a medal frame with fourteen medals on the inside. The weight of the large 
shoe is 16^ pounds. All of the shoes shown are for speed horses, and represent the most recent 
used by me in my system of balancing the feet so as to insure the greatest speed and endurance. 
The fifteen medals (gold, silver and bronze) are all the highest premiums, and represent the high- 
est honors obtained, wherever the shoes have been exhibited. 



HOSPITAL CASE. 



329 




PROF. Wm. RU55E15- HOSPITAL CASE OF SHOES, 



Case 7. — Russell's Hospital Case of Shoes, for which a Cold Medal was 
awarded, at Nashville, Tenn., 1897. 



330 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Case 8.— Russell's Twentieth Century Display, 1001. 



GOLD MEDAL. 



331 




Case 0. — Gold Medal awarded Prof. Wm. Russell by his Brother Horseshoers, 

at Pittsburgh, Pa., for best display of hand-made horseshoes, 

and horse's feet and legs, at Horseshoers' Convention, 

in 1899. 



332 



SCIENTIFIC HOKSESHOEING. 




Case 10. — Shoes made from Russell's Perfect Horseshoe Mails, Micro- 
scopical size, in 1S98. 



SHOES MADE IN 1902. 



333 




Case 11. — Shoes made in the year 1902. 



334 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Case 12. — This case of shoes was made in the year 1903, to show the differ- 
ent styles of shoes to suit the trotting, pacing and running horse, 
including those worn by Starpointer, record 1:59 1-2, together with 
all the record-breakers in 1901-2. All of these shoes are described 
in this edition of "Scientific Horseshoeing." 



RUSSELL S FOOT AND HEEL ADJUSTERS. 



335 




Fig. 235. Russell's Foot Adjuster. 
Instructions for use given on pages 77 to 81 ; also see Figs. 16 to 29. 




Pig. 236. Russell's Heel Adjuster, for obtaining the Angles of the 

Heels. 

A, A, Slots in plates for adjustment to position desired. 

B, Thumb screw for setting the plates. 

C, F, Adjustable lever to obtain the angle of heels. 

D, Lower bed-plate, to lay on bottom of the foot across the quar- 
ters, in equalizing the angle on both sides of the heel. 



336 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 




Fig. 238. Russell's Foot 

Testers. 
Explained on page 317. 



Fig. 237. Russell's Hand Vise, for Hot Raspixg Shoes. 
A, Set screw to fasten the jaw, B, on shoe. 

C, Bed plate, shaped like a front foot shoe, on which to lay the shoe, to 
hot or cold rasp it on the bevel of the heels and quarters. 

D, Lower projection, to catch in the jaws of stationary vise. 

E, End of jaw to grip the shoes. Length of vise, 16 inches. 

This tool is indispensable to all shoers who shoe light horses, as by its 
use the thinnest shoes can be filed without springing. 



BECIPES AND INSTRUCTIONS. 337 



CHAPTER XI. 
RECIPES AND INSTRUCTIONS. 

FOR TREATING DISEASES OF THE HORSE'S FEET AND 

LEGS. 

It seems suitable and convenient as to the general purpose 
of this book that, after having dwelt somewhat largely upon a 
review of the principal diseases and injuries which impair the 
organic soundness of the horse's foot, and treating in detail the 
efficacy of a safe and scientific mode of shoeing in counteracting 
such evils, I should devote — in a limited way — a few recipes, 
such as I have used myself with the most satisfactory results. 
It is not my intention, however, to advise that the attendance 
of a regular veterinarian be dispensed w r ith when any serious 
form of disease exists which calls for medical treatment beyond 
the reach of the farrier's art. Neither do I desire to appear in 
a false light with respect to the valid claims of professional vet- 
erinary practice. At all times the mechanical work of shoeing 
is combined more or less with the surgical treatment of the foot, 
hence the farrier of to-day must be more than a " blacksmith," 
or a mere worker in iron ; and it is for his guidance that I am 
now writing. Having placed before my readers the undoubted 
utilities of shoeing for remedial purposes, I likewise submit the 
following medicaments as useful applications for any of the 
cases to which they especially refer. Success in the use of these 
preparations, I may add, depends upon a right understanding of 
the nature of the trouble in each instance, and then in the proper 
application of the remedy. 



338 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

No. 1. 
Cleansing the feet. — The importance of cleanliness in 
keeping the feet of horses free from certain disorders of the 
skin and other excretory matters that are causative of eruptions 
can not be overlooked. In prescribing a simple wash for the 
feet, therefore, it is only a step in the way of preventing disorder 
in its functions, to which neglect of such precaution may lead. 
In hot dry weather the extremities of the limbs should be 
thoroughly scoured at least once a day. Use the best castile soap 
with a liberal supply of warm water and make a good, stiff 
lather and apply it with a brush — to rub it in and thus cleanse 
the skin from all impurities. Then rinse off with clear water 
and dry with a cloth. This operation should apply to all parts 
of the ankle and hoof, including the heels, and in this way a 
clear, healthy condition of skin and elastic, tough, glossy wall 
will be insured, if the foot is otherwise healthy. 

No. 2. 

Foot Salve. — Shoemaker's wax, J lb.; Beeswax, J lb.; 
Mutton Tallow, for summer use, £ lb.; and for winter use, J lb. 
To be melted in an iron pot over a gentle fire, kept constantly 
stirred until the composition is well dissolved and thoroughly 
mixed. 

This preparation is invaluable for many foot ailments when 
used according to directions. 

For Contraction. — After the foot has been prepared and 
the shoe fitted, have the salve well warmed and fill the bottom 
of the foot with it, then cover it with a thin overlay of white 
cotton or clean oakum, and nail on the shoe with a piece of 
leather fitted under the web to cover the bottom of the foot to 
retain the salve in place and protect it from dirt. 

For Coronitis. — Warm the salve as before and thoroughly 
saturate with it several pledgets or thin flat layers of white cot- 
ton and cover the coronarv band all around with a thick coating 



RECIPES AND INSTRUCTIONS. 339 

of salve, secured with a compress bandage of linen, laid over it 
to keep it in place, after which rub a warm smoothing iron 
over the surface from toe to heels, repeating this process once 
or twice daily for the space of a week or more, being careful 
not to scorch or burn the bandage in so doing. The application 
of heat will operate as a tonic to stimulate the circulation 
throughout the diseased organ, causing it to absorb the salve, 
which will at once check the ossific tendency and assist the horn 
secreting powers of the coronary cushion. 

For Laminitis and Villitis, or for inflammation and sore- 
ness of the villous tissue of the toe and sole of the foot, follow 
the directions given for treatment and shoeing in Chapter VII, 
covering such diseases. 

For Bruised and Ulcerated Heels. — Have the foot leveled 
and prepared by removing all the hard, dead, portions of the 
horny sole around the affected part, then apply the salve and 
cotton in and around the sore or tender spot. After the shoe is 
applied, soak the foot in tubs of warm water, as this will act 
favorably in reducing inflammation and removing soreness. 

For Chapped Heels or Dry Skin. — Apply the salve same 
as above, secured with bandage, and repeat the heating process 
with warm iron as recommended for Coronitis and all soreness 
or derangement will quickly disappear. 

For Punctured , Wounds. — Whenever the foot is wounded 
by a nail or other sharp body, it will be necessary to immediately 
open up the injured spot by means of a drawing knife and 
remove the edges of the wounded parts as deep as the horny 
tissue extends. The salve is then to be poured into the orifice 
until the cavity is filled — the foot being held up that the salve 
may cool and harden. By having it remain there the stimulus 
which it imparts will soon allay any irritation and bring on a 
healthy growth. 



340 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

No. 3. 

Liniment for Chronic and Painful Inflammations of 
Tendons, Coronary Cushion, etc. — Tincture of Aconite Eoot, 
2 oz.; Spirits of Ammonia, 2 oz.; Tincture of Iodine, 4 oz. 
Mix and shake well before using. 

This remedy is applicable to all cases of soreness or inflam- 
mation in the tendons and coronary structures, also it operates 
favorably on bog spavins, wind galls, and chapped hocks. It 
stimulates the parts affected to healthy action by causing all 
exudations, whether of the bones or soft parts, to be quickly 
re-absorbed and the irritations allayed. In applying, saturate 
and rub the parts affected well once a day, and in severe cases, 
twice a day, morning and evening, continuing the operation 
until recovery takes place. 

No. 4. 

Wash for General Purposes. — The following recipe is a 
mild caustic, and will result in no injury to the foot if used as 
directed: Carbolic Acid, 1 ounce; Glycerine, 1 ounce; Distilled 
Water, 6 ounces. Mix thoroughly. 

When used for bruised heels, pare all the dead hard sole 
from around the bruised parts, thinning the insensitive sole un- 
til it will spring under the pressure of the thumb. After having 
done this, saturate white cotton large enough to cover the 
affected parts, lay over the bruise, and allow it to remain for 
fifteen or twenty minutes. Put a few drops of the wash on the 
cotton occasionally, so as to keep it thoroughly saturated. It 
sometimes happens that the horse strikes his opposite ankle or 
shin, cutting it, and quite often proud flesh sets up in the 
wound. If this happens, take white cotton large enough to 
cover the wound, thoroughly saturate with the wash and lay 
over the wound. Bandage the leg to hold the cotton in place, 
and let it remain on the wound for fifteen or twentv minutes. 



RECIPES AND INSTRUCTIONS. 341 

This will remove the proud flesh and stimulate a healthy 
growth. I have used the above wash and it has always pro- 
duced the best and most satisfactory results. 

No. 5. 

Witch Hazel Wash, for General Purposes, such as 
Sprained Tendons, Sore Loins and Soreness of the Muscles. 
— Witch hazel wash is an old, long-standing remedy, well 
known to horsemen, and has a well-earned reputation as a 
relief for the above-named troubles. I have used it myself with 
the most satisfactory results. Always bear in mind to have the 
foot properly balanced, and a shoe so constructed and fitted that 
when nailed to the foot the horse will stand with his foot and 
leg naturally under the body. In this way the weight of the 
body is equally distributed to all parts of the foot and leg. 



342 {SCIENTIFIC HOKSESHOEIJSG. 



CHAPTER XII. 

VALUABLE HINTS TO FARRIERS, ETC. 

Since the publication of the sixth edition of "Scientific 
Horseshoeing" many new and valuable ideas have occurred to 
me as the result of my practice for sixty-four years, some of 
which I venture to give to farriers and horsemen, feeling confi- 
dent that they will be of benefit to them. 

For the benefit of readers I show on pages 349-351 the foot 
prints of the noted Queen of the Turf, Maud S., both in her 
slow work and when up to her full speed, when her stride was 
eighteen feet six inches. She proved herself in 1885 to be the 
great est mare or horse living. I show also on page 352 the stride 
and foot-prints of Jay Gould in 1864; third, on page 353, the 
stride and foot-prints of the majority of race horses when up to 
speed; fourth, on pages 354-5, the stride and foot-prints of horses 
cross-firing with the right hind foot and leg; fifth, on page 356, 
of splay foot horses; sixth, on the same page, of pigeon-toed 
horses ; seventh, foot-prints of the line trotters on page 357 ; 
eighth, hitching and hopping on right hind foot and leg on pages 
359-361. These drawings should be of great value to the thought- 
ful farrier and horseman. 

My theory has always been first to locate the cause of 
the faulty action in the gaits, and then as a result of removing 
the cause the defect will cease. ~No fixed rule can be given 
for shoeing any two horses alike, as there are scarcely any 
two horses shaped and gaited alike. As a result, the shape 
and style and weight of shoes that suit one horse will not suit 



VALUABLE HINTS TO FARRIERS, ETC. 343 

another. Horseshoing necessarily depends largely upon good 
judgment. For instance, take the draft cob road horse. There 
are scarcely two horses that wear their shoes alike, as some 
will wear the outside of one shoe and on the opposite foot will 
wear the inside ; some horses will wear the toes of shoes more 
than the heels, and some will wear the heels more than the 
toes. (See cuts shown in this edition.) Now, to overcome 
faulty action, make a close examination of the foot. Where 
the wear is the greatest on the outside heel, the foot is not 
level, and the inside toe of the foot is too high ; in some cases 
the outside heel and quarter are curled under. Take the 
opposite front foot where the wear is the greatest on the in- 
side, and on close examination it will be found that the out- 
side toe is too high. If the foot is pared and shoe properly 
made and fitted, the shoe will be worn level. (See page 97, fig- 
ure 23 ; pages 94 and 95, figures 17, 18 and 19.) By keeping the 
foot pared level, the foot and leg in their forward movement 
will break straight through the journals of the joints. (See 
page 154, figure 45, where the cuts clearly show the effect of 
having the foot pared and dressed level from coronet to 
ground tread.) One of the most important points in horse- 
shoeing is in having the feet pared level. (As shown, on 
pages 94 and 95, figures 17, 18 and 19 ; page 97, figure 23 ; 
P'age 100, figure 26; page 103, figure 29, in this edition.) 
Stand the horse on a level floor, then step in front and behind 
the horse and see if the upper and lower pasterns stand up- 
right and plumb under the cannon bone. If the upper and 
lower pasterns are leaning in and out the foot is not level on 
the ground surface ; if the pasterns are leaning in, the foot is 
too high on the outside toe and quarter, while if the pasterns 
lean out the foot is too high on the inside toe and quarter. 
Step to the side and see if the front part of the foot is on a 



344 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

line with the upper and lower pasterns. (See page 52, 
figure 5, this edition.) 

One of the most important points in the science of horse- 
shoeing lies in dressing the foot for the reception of the shoes. 
If the horse is wearing his shoes level from the toe to heel, 
the weight is equally distributed to all parts of the feet and 
legs at each foot-fall. Seventy-five per cent of lameness in 
feet and legs can be traced and located in unbalanced feet. 
A horse well shod is twice shod. And my theory has always 
been that prevention is better than cure. First, find the 
cause ; then, remove the cause and the effects will cease. A 
close observer never finishes the learning of horseshoing, 
and no one man knows it all. The world moves in every de- 
partment of mechanics and in all the professions ; science 
now holds supreme sway, and the farrier must keep up with 
the march of improvement. 

I wish also to call attention to some faulty action in the 
gaits of speed horses which will cause them to hit their knees, 
ankles and shins. The fault is in their hind action. A horse 
belonging to Thomas Taylor, of Pittsburgh, was known to all 
the horsemen in Pittsburgh as being the worst knee-hitter in 
the State of Pennsylvania. The horse cross-fired with the 
right hind foot and leg ; he crossed his right hind foot and 
leg under his body and scalped his pasterns and shin on the 
left front foot. As the foot was uplifted he hit his coronet 
and shin so hard that he left his feet into a run ; in the act 
of getting the horse to catch his gait he would hit and bruise 
his knees. The horse was pronounced a chronic knee-hitter. 
When I saw the horse I noticed that the two front feet stood 
up plumb under the front legs and that the fault was behind 
in the right hind foot and leg. I suggested to shoe the 
cross-firing hind foot with the pattern of shoe shown on page 



VALUABLE HINTS TO FARRIERS, ETC. 345 

266, figure 165. The shoe was made according to the cut in 
this edition. The shoe weighed seventeen ounces. After 
having the shoe nailed to the foot the horse was driven and 
has never worn a knee boot since. He has since beaten 
horses with records of 2 : 10. This is one of the causes of 
knee-hitting ; the difficulty is behind, and as soon as the 
cause is removed the effect of knee-hitting ceased. 

This horse was a pacing horse. My experience has 
taught me that we cannot shoe the pacing horse with the 
same style and weight of shoes as the trotting horse, as their 
gaits are very different. We cannot shoe the long pastern 
horse with the same weight and style of shoes as the short 
pastern, and have the horses perform their work with ease 
and comfort. In the past, a great many shoers shod 
horses without looking at the shape and length of the 
pasterns. To be successful, the farrier must take a good look 
at the formation of the foot and length of the pasterns and 
formation of the legs and body. There are other causes that 
will cause horses to hit and bruise their ankles, shins and 
knees. The breeching is sometimes too high or too low or 
too tight, and the breast collar too high or too low or too 
tight. In many cases the teeth are out of condition. If the 
horse fights the bit, or pulls his head and neck to one side, 
the fault is in the teeth and in checking the head and neck 
too high or low. (See skeleton, page 30, figure 2.) A close 
examination of the skeleton will give my readers a clear and 
better idea how to overcome many faulty actions in the gaits 
of horses. As the time changes, everything changes. As 
the horse increases his speed, he quickens his evolutions, and 
the thinner the shoe the longer the stride, the lighter the shoe 
the lighter the foot fall. 

Shoers are becoming better educated and more enlight- 



346 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

ened than our ancestors were years ago. For the protection 
of the horse, laws should be passed requiring men that desire 
to shoe horses, to pass an examination upon the anatomy of 
the foot and leg before they are allowed to run a shop. The 
man that shoes horses is working with a living substance, 
that has life and feeling such as requires study and thought. 
In my judgment, it is far more essential that the man should 
pass an examination in the science of horseshoeing, and re- 
ceive a certificate from some competent examining board, that 
he is fully qualified to shoe horses and carry on the horse- 
shoeing business, than it is to require the school teacher, 
lawyer and doctor to pass an examination and receive a cer- 
tificate before they are allowed to teach school and practice 
law and doctor the human animal. A great many are carry- 
ing on horseshoeing shops that have the theoretical part ; but 
for the practical part they have to depend upon practical 
shoers. To execute properly, the practical part must be 
learned with the hammer and tongs, with knife and rasp. To 
be successful, the theory and practice must work in harmony 
with one another. Such men, alone, in my judgment, should 
be allowed to carry on the horseshoeing business. The 
sooner we have laws passed requiring men that shoe horses 
to pass an examination upon the foot and leg of the horse, 
the less suffering there will be among horses. Horses do not 
live out one-half of their days of usefulness on account of 
the suffering and pain in their feet and legs. There is no 
man that should be allowed by law to pare and dress the feet 
of horses unless he thoroughly understands the anatomy of the 
foot and leg. He should know where to cut, and when to 
stop cutting, as seventy-five per cent of the lameness can be 
traced and located in the feet. The cause is as much in un- 
balanced feet as in ill-fitted shoes. I have given cuts of pared 



VALUABLE HINTS TO FARRIERS, ETC. 



34: 



feet and ill-fitted shoes and also of feet and legs all through 
this edition, showing how to pare and dress the feet for 
the reception of the shoes, and how to restore the foot when 
the shape has been partially lost. The man that knows 
where to cut and when to stop cutting is an artist in his pro- 
fession. If the feet are kept properly balanced, lame horses 
will be seldom met. 

I have endeavored to make my explanation so plain that 
every man that reads it can fully understand it, and as a re- 
sult can have his horse properly shod and its usefulness and 
comfort preserved for years. 




Fig. 230. Side View of Horse's Head. 



The Horse's Teeth.— Fig. 239. For the benefit of my 
readers, I here insert the cut of the horse's head, to show that the 
fourth molar had grown one inch longer than the rest of the upper 
molars, and this had worn the lower molar down even with the 
gums of the lower jaw, exposing the nerve and causing toothache. 
The horse was constantly fighting the bit in his mouth, carrying 
his head and neck to one side when in harness, and by so doing 
unbalanced the body. When I was called to examine this horse, 



348 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

I found it was his teeth that caused him to hit his knees. I sent 
and got a veterinary dentist to fix his teeth, after which for two 
years he did not wear a knee-boot, won every race he started in, 
and wound up with a record of 2 '.l^Vz- Turn to page 328, which 
read carefully. I there give the cause, and by removing the cause 
the effect ceases. 



349 



z 



z 



VALUABLE HINTS TO FARRIERS, ETC. 

LINE TROTTER 

' F " SPEED HORSES AND THEIR STRIDE. 



It seems incumbent upon me to say a word 
as to the gaits and strides of horses. In gen- 
eral, it may be laid down that no two beings, 
human or animal, are alike, so diversified is 
nature ; and, therefore, what can be said ol 
one horse, can not be said of another. But 
as each horse, when up to speed, has its own 
individual stride, just as it has its own record 
for speed, a few examples from the first in the 
race will serve our purpose. Now, in the 
first place, wp should understand that in any 
case, as a horse starts upon a walk, changes 
to an amble, breaks into a trot ? and then 
speeds away, in each instance the stride is 
lengthened, and when up to speed varies but 
a trifle. Again, I have watched very closely, 
and noticed that as a horse increases his speed 
he quickens his strides. Take a horse, for 
instance, going at a 2:30 gait, and suppose he 
increases his speed to a 2:20 "clip," the 
change is quite noticeable. Let the speed be 
increased to a 2:10 " clip," it is very plain he 
must have quickened his stride \ and when 
the speed drops down to 2:04 or 2:03%, the 
increased number of strides is very noticeable. 
The following illustration may make my point 
more clear to the reader : 

Fig. 12 is the diagram of a line trotter at 
a slow gait. In this instance it will be seen 
by the footprints that the hind feet, B, B, fall 
right in line and behind the front feet, A, A. 
Such was Maud S at a slow, jogging trot. 
The next illustration, Fig. 13, shows the 
stride of Maud S when up to speed in her 



Fig. 12. 

A, A, front footprints. 

B, B, hind footprints. 



350 

MAUD S. STRIDE 



g> 



'A 



B§> 
A® 



Fig. 13. 
A, A, front footprints. 
B,B,hind footprint. 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

fastest work, when she made her famous 
record of 2:08f , to a high-wheel sulky, over 
the Cleveland track in the year 1885. When 
up to speed, note how her hind legs and 
feet, B, B, swung out around her body and 
landed six inches ahead of her front feet, A, 
A, in a true line. Maud S was called a line 
trotter. Her stride on this occasion, meas- 
ured accurately by those who know, is said 
to have compassed eighteen feet 6 inches. 

The representaition of Maud S., page 351, is 
one of the only cuts extant, and was taken 
at the time she made her great record over 
the Cleveland track, of 2:08|, to a high-wheel 
sulky, a record which stands to-day unbroken 
to a high-wheel sulkr. She was photo- 
graphed when up to speed, with all four 
feet off the ground at the same time, and, 
as many will recognize, she was driven by 
W. H. Baer, her old trainer and driver. 






352 

JAY GOULD STRIDE. 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



/ i 



§ 



$ 



Fig. 14. 

A, A, front footprints. 

B, B, hind footprints. 



Jay Gould's stride was very wide be- 
hind, as shown in diagram. A, A, 
represents the front footprints ; B, B, 
the hind footprints. This famous trot- 
ting stallion was so wide gated behind 
as to have made it very tiresome for 
him, and if as much had been known 
in his day as at present about the shoe- 
ing of trotting horses, he could have 
been shod behind so as to have closed 
up his gait and increased his speed 
from four to ten seconds. Jay Gould 
was as plucky, as game a horse as ever 
was entered upon the track. It is my 
opinion that for the lowering of records 
in the past thirty-five years and more 
of trotters, from 2:40 to 2:03%, the 
modern farrier, educated and experi- 
enced, can not be given too much 
praise, and also for his labor in balanc- 
ing the leg and body so as to equalize 
the pressure to all parts of the foot and 
leg. Thus a uniform motion is pro- 
duced, no unnatural strain fatigues one 
part of the body more than another, 
and the motion of the trotter is like 
clockwork in its regularity. 



VALUABLE HINTS TO EARRIERS, ETC. 

NATURAL TROTTER 

' g 



353 



§ 



m 



m 



B 



\ 

Bi 



i 



§ 



i 



§ 



m 



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i i ©a 

Fig. 15. 

A, A, front footprints. 

B, 15, hind footprints. 



Fig. 15 represents the true gait of a 
majority of trotters when up to speed. A, 
A, footprints of front feet; B, B, footprints 
of hind feet. 

In all long-striding horses, when up to 
speed, the hind feet are carried in advance 
of the front footprints, sometimes eight 
inches more or less. The stride in front 
and behind are of the same length at each 
footfall, and the foot fall is as regular as the 
ticking of a watch. 



354 
CROSS FIRER 



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4 






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B 

4a 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

CROSS-FIRING. 

Probably no infirmity of action impedes the 
gate of the trotting and pacing horse, causing 
him to become discouraged and leg weary, and 
thus condemning him as wanting in race horse 
courage, than the vicious habit of cross-firing. 
This drawing shows very plainly the f cot-prints 
of the horse that cross-fires with the right hind 
limb and foot. Letter A indicates the front 
foot-print, while B shows the hind foot-print. 

In order to determine the extent of cross- 
firing, the studious farrier should have the 
horse speed on a level dirt road or track, and 
then accurately measure the foot-prints with a 
tape line, in order to ascertain the stride of the 
front and hind feet. To his surprise, this dia- 
gram on the ground will disclose the fact that 
the cross-firing hind limb and foot will make a 
stride from three to six inches shorter than 
that of the opposite hind limb and foot ; and, 
furthermore, this instructive diagram will show 
that the stride of the left front foot will be from 
three to six inches shorter in the stride than 
the right front foot. 

In all cases of this kind, the front feet should 
be shod with shoes of equal weight. Then to 
the shorter striding front hoof apply the stick- 
fast toe weight, one ounce to the inch ; so that 
six inches shortness of stride requires six ounces 
in the toe weight. 

Then pare the cross-firing hind foot, as de- 
scribed on page 266, and shoe the same with 
the cross-firing pattern, as illustrated in fig- 
ures 165 and 166, on. the same page of this 



VALUABLE HINTS TO FARRIERS, ETC. 355 

edition of Scientific Horseshoeing. These hind shoes should also 
be of equal weight, but on the outside of the foot the horse cross- 
fires with, should be attached a stick-fast weight having exactly 
the same ounces in weight that the cross-firing hind stride is short 
in inches. 

The desirable patterns for the front feet will be found - illus- 
trated in figures 150 and 151, pages 258 and 259, of this 
edition of Scientific Horseshoeing. The prevalent cause for 
cross-firing is that of unbalanced feet, produced largely by un- 
even dressing, and rarely by misshapen limbs. To the mis- 
shapen feet and limbs can be applied, too often, badly con- 
structed and fitted shoes. Sometimes the causes are more hid- 
den than these ordinary troubles. For instance, the teeth are 
sometimes out of order, causing the horse to take the bit on 
one side, and thus throwing the head and neck out of line. 
This one-sided carriage of the head and neck is frequently ac- 
companied by tilting the rump to the opposite side. With the 
use of the cross-firing shoe above set forth and the aid of the 
weights, and the balancing of the feet, the stride can thus be 
made as regular as the ticking of a watch. 

It is to be hoped that these remedial agents have been 
made so clear to the average farrier that horses thus afflicted 
will be universally benefited. 

In all cases of cross-firing, have the mouth examined, and, 
if the teeth are out of condition, be sure to have a competent 
horse dentist to fix them. 



356 

SPLAYFOOT. 



SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



PIGEONTOE 



Splay Foot. 

Fig. 17 shows the inward and 
outward sweep of the horse's 
foot, known as splay foot. This 
evil causes horses to hit and 
bruise the ankles, shins, and 
knees. Low speed, low cut ; 
high speed, high cut. 



/ 



m 



/ 



\ 



Pigeontoe. 

Fig. 18 shows the outward 
and inward sweep of the horse's 
foot, known as pigeontoe, just 
the opposite sweep to the splay 

foot. Rarely, if ever, do pigeon- 
toed horses hit their ankles, shins 
or knees. 





Fig 17. 



Fig. 18. 



VALUABLE HINTS TO FARRIERS, ETC, 



357 



LINE TROTTER 



# 



A 



§ 



W B 



THE LINE TROTTER. 

The trotting horse that moves as close to a 
straight line in his action, economizes in the 
greatest degree his muscular exertions, as well 
as shortens the space over which he moves to 
the goal. It must be remembered in the math- 
ematical axiom that a straight line is the short- 
est distance between two given points, applies 
with force to the action of the trotting horse. 
The trotting action that is all abroad, technic- 
ally speaking, wherein the hind legs violate 
the line precision by excess of width and 
height, and the front legs climb, with a waste 
of knee action as to interfere with the length 
of stride, means over-exertion, muscular wea- 
riness, and total exhaustion at the finish of a 
race. 

The illustration clearly shows the foot prints 
of a line trotter : 

A shows the print of the front foot, and 

B that of the hind foot. 

Such a horse trots with the precision of a 
perfectly constructed machine. He must be 
perfect at birth. His stifles must be developed 
straight, with the points turning neither out- 
wardly nor inwardly, for the outward turning 
of the stifles indicates tha stradcller in action, 
while their inward turning would make the 
horse pigeon-toed behind, with a predisposition 
to cross-firing. But, if the stifles are straight, 
the hind feet will land in a line with the front 
feet ; all the prints will flex straight, backward 
and forward in their journals, and the horse 
can sustain his speed with extreme endurance, 



358 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

because he moves with the greatest possible economy of mus- 
cles. The stride of such a trotter can be lengthened or short- 
ened by the rules laid down in Scientific Horseshoeing, as his 
development in speed may require. But, to preserve his line 
of action, he must be shod so as to be perfectly comfortable 
in his feet. This means that the comparative length of toe 
and height of heel should be accurately adjusted ; that the 
foot should be dressed to a level ; that the weight of the shoe, 
and in the sulky or road wagon should be in proportion to 
his muscular capacity, and that all his brushes of speed 
should be finished well within his courage. If he is short 
pasterned, he will have a quick-drum-beat revolution, and 
this should not be interfered with to the extent of making 
his muscles sore. 

If he is long in the pasterns, he will be long gaited, and 
provided in either action the horse goes clear free from hop- 
ping or hitching, or cross-firing or over-reaching or any other 
defects, then he should be shod with thin, broad, wide web 
shoes, that place the hoof as near to the ground, almost, as 
in the natural state ; and the front shoes should not be made 
more than two and one-half or three ounces heavier than the 
hind ones, in order to comply with the same relative weight 
of the front and hind feet in their natural green state. Thus 
shod and rigged, the line trotter in perfect condition, under 
the most skillful reinsmen, is destined to become the perfec- 
tion of the fleet-footed trotting horse. 



§ 



VALUABLE HINTS TO FAKEIERS, ETC. 359 

HITCHINGSHOPPING 
HITCHING AND HOPPING BEHIND IN 

TROTTING MOTION. 

This drawing accurately marks the 
foot-prints of the horse that hitches, 
while trotting, with his right hind foot. 
In diagram, letter A shows front and B 
hind foot prints. The most unusual 
cause for hitching is the malformation 
of the offending hind limb ; that is, in 
some cases it is shorter than the other 
one. In all my experience, of more than 
a half a century, as a farrier, I have 
never found but two cases of this de- 
scription. The method of discovery is 
of sufficient interest to narrate. I pro- 
cured a carpenter's leveling board, then 
stood the horse upon a level board floor 
with a man in front to hold his head at 
the proper angle with the body. The 
leveling board was then laid across the 
hips. I then took two iron rods, stood 
one end on the floor, placed one rod on 
each side of the hips, and took the 
measurement on rods under the level- 
ing board. I then placed the spirit level 
on top of leveling board, and then raised 
the low end of leveling board until the 
spirit level was accurately adjusted to a 
perfect level, and both measurements 
proved that one leg was just three- 
quarters of an inch shorter than the 
other. Subsequent examination and 
measurements showed this difference was 
in length of the hind limb. The shorter 



I it 






llA 



n 



360 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

one required to be lengthened by shoeing. I selected a piece 
of iron three-quarters of an inch wide by three-eighths thick 
and turned it edgewise, then formed it into a shoe and nailed 
it on to the foot. The opposite foot was shod with a thin, 
flat steel shoe. This gave the short leg the required three- 
quarters of an inch to make it the same length as the other 
limb, and the horse moved off clear in stroke in one shoeing 
and the hitching disappeared. This horse was the noted 
trotting horse called Galier, owned in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 
1870. 

The other horse, similarly afflicted, was a noted road horse 
owned in Chicago. I found that the rear hind limb, upon 
close examination, was five-eighths of an inch shorter than 
the opposite limb. The same remedy was applied. The 
short limb was lengthened to the length of the other by 
making and placing thereon a shoe five-eighths of an inch 
thicker than the other hind shoe. The horse moved off 
square without the chronic hop that had before disfigured 
his trotting action. 

But generally the hind legs are of the same length, and the 
cause of hitching must be detected in the front action. Take 
the case of the phenominal trotting mare, Lida Bassett, 
whose performance at Chester Park, in 1883, startled the 
turf community. At first she hitched in her slow work in the 
left hind leg and then extended it to her brushes of speed. 
On one occasion, at Chester Park, I noticed that the mare 
nodded every time the right front foot landed on the ground. 
This led me to have the stride of the front and hind feet 
measured with a tape line. The front print of the right 
front foot was just four and one-half inches shorter than the 
left foot print. I removed the right front shoe, welded a 
spur in center at toe, bent up at angle at front part of foot, 
then placed a four ounce weight on spur on the right front 



VALUABLE HINTS TO FARRIERS, ETC. 361 

foot and had the mare driven. The hitching entirely disap- 
peared on the left hind leg. This is one of the causes of 
hitching behind was in the opposite front leg. The stride 
of front and hind feet must be as regular as the ticking of the 
clock. 

In many instances the horse will hitch by being speeded 
every day, or being overdriven frequently at his highest flight 
of speed too long at a time. More frequently he is compelled 
to haul too much weight, and his ambition to forge ahead 
will frequently cultivate the habit of hopping or hitching 
as a means of overcoming the excess of weight he should 
drag along. Such horses have been known to hitch on one 
hind leg for a time till they get very weary and then rest 
themselves by shifting the hopping to the other hind leg. 

In all these cases the remedy should be apparent to the 
thoughtful farrier and owner. The feet must be dressed to 
a mathematical level ; their weight should be regulated to 
promote a balanced stride ; the weight burden should be 
lessened, and the impatience of the horse should be curbed till, 
by slow handling, he is again restored to a well-poised gait, 
and then his speed should be gradually quickened, always 
within the desire to hitch. 

In thus locating the various causes of hitching, the author 
trusts that his efforts may prove beneficial to the horse com- 
munity. 



362 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 



OUTLINE OF THE HORSE. 

It should be understood by all horseshoers and horse- 
men that the balancing of the feet and legs and body of 
tne horse is the greatest practical importance in developing 
speed and endurance. (See skeleton on page 36, Fig. 2.) 
This skeleton of the horse was drawn from the natural 
skeleton, showing the importance of the fourteenth dorsal 
vertebrae, which is the center of gravity of the body. As 
I have shown, the coffin joint is the center of gravity of 
the foot. Readers of the several editions of my work on 
Scientific Horseshoeing will notice that, as a fundamental 
principle, I have always laid great stress upon the proper 
balancing of the foot and body of the horse. The farrier 
should take the greatest care in dressing the feet and 
making shoes of suitable style and weight to suit the gait 
of the horse, and should so balance the feet that they may 
swing in a true line with the bod}^ when in motion, as the 
pendulum of the clock. The farrier requires good judgment 
in his profession, that he may properly balance and shoe the 
feet to suit the gait of the horse. 

Every horseshoer, or, as he should aspire to be called, 
every competent farrier, of the twentieth century should 
make this object lesson, thus so artistically presented, his 
constant study ; for upon the mastery of the anatomy and 
physiology of the horse will depend his competency in his 
profession. The day has gone by for guesswork or routine 
cutting and rasping the foot, with no other object in view 
than that of reducing the ground surface, often to the dis- 
comfort and positive injury of the foot and limb. The world 



OUTLINE OF THE HORSE. 363 

moves. In every department of mechanics and in all the 
professions science now holds supreme sway, and the farrier 
must keep up with the march of improvement. 

But the foundation of this marvelous superstructure is 
the limb and foot. Unless they are properly balanced and 
adjusted the entire mechanism is deranged and the movement 
of the horse is painful and faulty. But before elaborating 
this proposition it is appropriate to direct your attention to 
the construction of the limb and foot. 

Let me direct your notice to Fig. 5, page 52, which shows 
the right front foot and leg cut through the center from knee 
to base of the foot. This section displays the correct position 
of the bones when the foot is properly balanced. The line 
through the center of the upper and lower pastern bones 
marks the normal angle of the foot, and shows that the coffin 
joint is the center of gravity of the hoof. 

This completes the illustrative and sectional drawings of 
the carcass and the limbs. There is no accident here, but 
the evidence of a divinely constructed mechanism, which re- 
quires study in order to properly dress and shoe the foot. 

Now, fix in your minds the pivotal points of this mechan- 
ism. The illustrations prove that the fourteenth dorsal ver- 
tebrae is the center of gravity of the body, and the coffin joint 
is the center of gravity of the foot. Around these two pivotal 
points cluster all the science necessary to balance the carcass, 
the limbs and the feet. How many horseshoers have grasped 
the force of these observations upon the mastery of which de- 
pends the success of farriery? 

Balance the body and the feet and every joint, will work 
properly in its journals and every muscle will move with its 
greatest yet economical expenditure of force . Then the horse 
aril! show that poetry of motion which is thus taker, out of 



3G4 SCIENTIFIC HORSESHOEING. 

the realms of romance and placed upon the sure foundation 
of scientific certainty. 

This balancing of the foot can only be done by properly 
dressing the hoof, so that the heels shall be of precisely the 
same height and the toes of precisely the same length, and 
the cleft of the frog, taken as the median line, shall show by 
compass measurement that each sectional portion of the hoof 
is precisely the same in width. 

To complete the limb and foot action it is only necessary 
to arm the hoof with the properly constructed shoe, in weight 
and shape, as set forth in detail in my work on Scientific 
Horseshoeing. No two horses are shaped alike, and conse- 
quently no two horses are gaited alike ; so that the style of 
shoe must be adapted to each individual horse. 

But while the weight and formation of the shoe performs 
its important part the balance of the body depends largely 
upon the correct harnessing of the horse. The long, straight. 
even-necked horse cannot be checked up high ; nor the arch- 
ing necked horse, who naturally carries his head high in the 
air, be drawn down by the standing martingale without dis- 
turbing the center of gravity of the horse when in motion. 
Then forging, speedy cutting and overreaching indicate the 
disturbance thus produced, and faulty action is the inevitable 
result. 

Every horseshoer should insist upon having the horse 
driven in his presence before shoeing, in order to determine 
whether this center of gravity of the carcass is thus properly 
guarded. Then his task as a farrier is made comparatively 
easy. 

Nothing would more conduce to these beneficial results 
than a College of Farriery, which should be made a govern- 
mental institution, for the benefit of the horse. 



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